Jurgen Klopp makes admission over European Super League plans in dig at UEFA
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his satisfaction with the current shake-up happening within UEFA, taking a subtle swipe at the governing football body. Klopp’s comments come in light of the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, which stated that the FIFA and UEFA regulations prohibiting interclub football projects, such as the European Super League, are unlawful.
While Liverpool was one of the 12 clubs initially involved in the proposed European Super League, they, along with every other Premier League club, have since distanced themselves from the project following intense backlash from fans and pundits. In a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s match against Arsenal, Klopp addressed the situation and voiced his support for the dismantling of UEFA’s unchecked power.
I am delighted that we finally get a bit of an understanding, Klopp stated. I agree 100% with that statement [from Liverpool]. But I am delighted that we finally get a bit of an understanding that FIFA and UEFA and other bodies cannot just do what they want.
Klopp went on to express his concerns about the lack of club representation in decision-making processes concerning the future of football competitions. He criticized the proliferation of additional tournaments and the increase in match schedules without consulting the clubs directly affected.
In the future, we have to talk about a lot of stuff, and if we just do the things they [UEFA] do – like putting in more competitions and playing more games – and we don’t have a real say in what is going on, I like that they get a bit of a shake.
Although a revamped European Super League proposal was released shortly after the court ruling, Liverpool promptly released a statement reiterating their withdrawal from the project. The statement emphasized their commitment to working with fellow clubs through the ECA (European Club Association) and participating solely in UEFA competitions.
The new proposal for a revived European Super League, put forth by A22 Sports, deviates from the original plans introduced in April 2021. The latest blueprint involves a three-tier system consisting of 64 teams categorized into Star, Gold, and Blue Leagues. Notably, this proposal emphasizes that participation would be based on sporting merit instead of permanent membership.
Klopp’s sentiments echo those of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who also addressed the European Super League proposal before their match against Liverpool. Arteta emphasized the importance of considering the opinions and desires of football supporters, highlighting their significance in shaping the sport.
As the European football landscape navigates through significant changes and power dynamics, Klopp’s comments shed light on the need for more equitable decision-making processes and a stronger voice for clubs. The impact of these developments will continue to shape the future of European football competitions.
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