How much money is enough money? The concept of a European Super League (ESL) has been around since the late-80s but the idea that won’t die resurfaces periodically.
The primary motivation behind it all is money and the plans represent a massive threat to lower league finances, domestic cup competitions, weekend football. Most versions would lock out new entrants to the elite of European competition.
The FSA has led the charge against the creation of the ESL, working closely with our fellow fans across the continent via Football Supporters Europe (FSE) to whom the FSA is affiliated. FSE members commit to supporting the following principles, against which we will measure any future reform proposals.
Principles
- Promotion and relegation based on sporting performance – from the bottom of the pyramid to qualification for Europe
- No to closed leagues or franchise football – qualify on results, not through history or heritage
- Weekends are for domestic leagues – protect fan culture, home and away. No live broadcasts on Saturdays at 3:00pm
- We want competitive leagues – no to even more concentration of wealth and on-going domination by a fixed few top clubs
- Domestic football comes first – protect the pyramid and cup competitions
- Share the wealth – the money from elite football should be shared across the whole game
