So long, parity. So long, little club. So long, Cinderella story.
According to Galatasaray chairman Unal Aysal, a “European Super League” could exist as soon as 5 years from now involving the top teams from across Europe.
“I think it is the future of football” Aysal said at the Leaders Sport Summit in west London Thursday. “It has to be created, not after 10 years but as soon as possible.”
The completely radical idea would essentially replace the Champions League, and would appear – as Aysal describes it – as another league-based system, complete with relegation.
“I think it could be 20 big teams, for example, in Europe, with the last three, four or five teams can change every year. I think it can be operated in a proper way in order to make it effective and useful to European football and also to bring new horizons in football.”
Would clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, or Juventus go for such a change?
“Football is a big industry, a growing industry” argues Aysal, “and a European super league will bring a lot of support and also energize football in general. It’s not yet totally elaborated and prepared and put on the paper. But it is a concept that is under discussion for a few years. It is not a new concept, but we favor it.
“The first 15-20 big clubs of Europe all agree with this – nobody will say no. Manchester United, Paris St Germain, Real Madrid. There may be one or two exceptions for local reasons, political reasons, and I will understand, but as the future for European clubs and the future of football, nobody can say no to this. Every reality starts with a dream. At the moment, it looks like a dream, a vision. I am sure, sooner or later, in a maximum of five years’ time, it will be a reality.”
That’s a very, very bold statement by the Turkish club. It’s also a statement that has already been disputed by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli. “I do not think the time has come,” Agnelli said. “We are part of a system that works, and we are proud of being part of that system.”
So will the top clubs support it like Aysal claims? That’s something worth watching, but also something that would appear doubtful at this moment.
