Arsenal: Grim European Super League interest could ban them from Champions League

Six English teams are expected to be part of plans for a breakaway European Super League, with Arsenal among the sides claimed to be involved a project that will rival UEFA’s Champions League format.

It would constitute a drastic overhaul of the football landscape, one driven by, of course, money.

This new league is due to comprise of 20 teams each year beginning in 2022. There would be 15 founding members who can not be relegated, with five other teams who qualify annually. The league would run adjacent to the Premier League and other domestic competitions, much in the way the current Champions League format is held.

Five of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ – Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham – have all reportedly agreed to the proposal. They are joined by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan, with Bundesliga and Ligue 1 sides opposing the idea.

Arsenal: Grim European Super League interest could ban them from Champions League

Of course, Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is driving the decision. It’s little wonder as, according to The Times, each team will be offered up to £310m to join. Kroenke would become vice-chairman.

UEFA have reacted strongly to the movement, with claims they could impose severe punishments to those who have signed up, including bans from European competitions for next season. Indeed, Arsenal could win the Europa League and return to the Champions League, only to be banned from kicking a ball in it.

Furthermore, FIFA have stated they will ban representing players from participating in the World Cup.

If that is the line the authorities want to take, then it’s the least those at Arsenal behind this deserve. There has been no consultation with fans, no consideration for what makes this sport enjoyable. Nothing. It’s pure, unadulterated greed, and it’s grim.

As if it couldn’t be worse, this is all taking place with the season still underway during a pandemic. It’s an atrocity and to see your own football club involved is deeply saddening.

What joy is there to be had from a league that won’t reward success or punish failure? From a set in stone group that doesn’t even include French and German teams? A league format across Europe? Being regularly beaten heavily by sides drastically better than Arsenal?

Arsenal would gain tremendously in finance. Unbelievably so. But at what cost? The cost of alienating their fans and digging a knife into the very soul of football. It’s shameful.

A decision on the matter is due on Sunday evening with Arsenal set to release a statement.