Premier League is one of the best and most popular soccer leagues in the world. The English FA runs a peculiar system of leagues in England, which the fans are proud of. There have been threats, like the European Super League, to the pyramid of English league soccer. Although, FA and the fans have come together to fend them off.
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The breakaway European Super League was one of the significant threats not only to the Premier League but also to other European leagues. The ownership structure of the premier league clubs is changing with time. Many still believe the significant threat is the increase in the number of owners or investors from the United States.
David Dein had his say on American owners in the Premier League
David Dein, the former vice-chairman of Arsenal and the FA, recently spoke about the American ownership in the Premier League. While speaking to Henry Winter of TIME Sport, Dein said, “They’ve got a different dynamic in the States. They have a sterile league, and they can move franchises around from city to city. We’re not like that. We are passionate about our clubs. It’s club football that means so much and has to be protected.”
"They've a different dynamic in the US. They have a sterile league and can move franchises around from city to city. We're not like that. We're passionate about our clubs. Club football has to be protected.” David Dein on US owners' threat to the pyramid.https://t.co/nUPsaVPmii
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 16, 2022
There has been a significant argument against the American owners regarding the structure of the top sports league in the US and that in England. Famous sports league like NBA, NHL, and MLS in the US doesn’t have a relegation system. English fans and pundits believe these as a major threat as American owners can destabilize the whole English soccer pyramid.
The American owners like FSG of Liverpool and Glazers of Manchester United were the first to support the breakaway European Super League. It has raised concern amongst many pundits and FA for the future.
FA is responsible for looking after 92 clubs in the Premier League and the Football league in England. The system of promotion and relegation according to performance is more prevalent in England. It is this pyramid that England wants to protect.
The recent judgment over European Super League
The recent statement by the EU court over the claims made by Super League comes as an enormous blow for starting a league. Although the final verdict is due to come and is expected next year, the Super League’s claim over the illegal monopoly of the UEFA is rejected. As a result, soccer governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA can block the Super League.
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Massive blow for those clubs pushing a Super League – European Court of Justice first ruling backs UEFA's right to approve new competitions.
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) December 15, 2022
Dein has welcomed the news as he believes the Super League is a significant threat to the pyramid on which the FA built the Premier League. Many considered the closed nature of the Super League as a means of generating higher revenue. Fans believe that relegation and promotion add to the entertainment and opposed the idea of a Super League from day one.
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What do you think of the statements made by David Dein on the American owners? Also, let us know in the comments about your opinions on the European Super League and the EU court’s ruling.
