BT Sport condemns European Super League and fears for ‘damaging effect to long-term health of football’
BT SPORT have condemned the formation of a European Super League by insisting it could have a ‘damaging effect’ on football.
The revelation was confirmed on Sunday as the ‘big six’ Premier League clubs announced they had signed up to be involved in the new 20-team format.
But with the proposal having already received criticism from fans, pundits, football’s governing bodies and the UK government, broadcasters BT Sport have now weighed in with a similar message.
In a post on Twitter, they said: “BT recognises the concerns raised by many of football’s leading voices and fans, and believes the formation of a European Super League could have a damaging effect to the long term health of football in this country.
“As a sport broadcaster showing Premier League, UEFA club football and National League football as well as being lead partner for all the Home Nations football teams, we strongly believe that football makes a significant positive contribution to people’s lives at every level, and this needs to be protected.”
Among those who have already slammed the proposal is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who described it as ‘very damaging’.
And a passionate Gary Neville went one step further on Sunday evening by labelling it a ‘criminal act against the fans’.
What we know about the format so far is that England will have the largest contingent, with Liverpool and Man Utd joined by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs.
Among the remaining 12 ‘founder members’, Spain would supply Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona as well as Juventus, Inter and AC Milan from Italy.
It is expected Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will complete the 15-strong closed shop, but Borussia Dortmund have already ruled themselves out.
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It is then unclear how the five additional teams will be selected each year.
The provisional start date for the inaugural European Super League is at the start of the 2022-23 season, although this is subject to change.
For an extensive look at how the European Super League would work, check out SunSport’s guide to the radical new idea.
Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
