One year ago today, 12 clubs across the continent shocked the world by announcing their desire to form a European Super League. Football fans, pundits and players unanimously condemned the proposals that would have changed the sport forever.
The fierce backlash caused the clubs - six of which were English - to U-turn on the plans, but sceptics fear they will stage a comeback in different packaging. UEFA - who were one of the most vocal opponents of the Super League - are attracting similar criticism for their Champions League revamp.
As it stands, a reboot in 2024 will see two additional sides - known as ‘wildcards’ - qualify for the competition based on historical performance. Using UEFA’s coefficient system, the two highest-ranked clubs that fail to qualify based on league position would be granted a Champions League spot.
For example, if Chelsea - who are fourth in the rankings - finished fifth in the Premier League, they would almost certainly be guaranteed to qualify. However, Newcastle are currently 94th in the table, making entry as a wildcard impossible.
Eddie Howe has already shown displeasure at the plans when asked a fortnight ago, hinting at where the Magpies stand on the changes. He said: "Qualification for Europe and everything linked to that should be based on current performance - not historical. I don't see how that can be fair. I think it's got to be based on what you've done in your last season. That's my opinion."
The mooted revamp has been dubbed a Super League ‘by the back door’ as it is favourable for the so-called bigger clubs. UEFA’s logic is to appease Europe’s elite while making their showpiece competition as financially rewarding as possible. To do that, they must ensure the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal are always in the mix.
For Newcastle, a club aiming to wedge their way into the European conversation in the coming years, the proposals are considered elitist and would give a huge advantage to the sides they are trying to gain ground on.
Clubs could attract better players in the transfer market despite their Champions League status not being merit-based. Mehrdad Ghodoussi labelled the big six’s greed a ‘complete farce’ in April last year and, similar to the controversial Super League, Newcastle will be hoping these latest plans are also thrown in the bin.
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