There’s a war going on at Old Trafford. On Sunday, when United took on Burnley, the rumoured European Super League was becoming a reality. Many pundits were going all out on holders of the six English football clubs participating, and the result was its downfall in less than 48 hours. All six English clubs have pulled out one by one, but three European clubs, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, haven't yet.
The rest was just crocodile tears. Statements and apologies were provided by the owners. For the first time since 2005, Joel Glazer started the club requesting trust. When it comes to the Glazer family and their utter disregard for United supporters, most fans already know what they're capable of understanding of the word "trust."
The Glazers determined in 2005 that the people were neither fans nor supporters. They were classed as "customers," and now the European Super League refers to them as "legacy fans." The president of Real Madrid seems to believe that younger viewers are uninterested in football. Since football has been turned into a money game, these major Premier League clubs have driven out families and younger fans over the years. While there's no model league in European football, the launch of the European Super League has given rise to calls for government interference in English football.
The rules within the German Bundesliga are one of the key topics about something that many supporters would have differing opinions. The 50+1 model isn't fine, according to some in Germany, as some clubs have much more investment than others. The definition could be extended to any European league. Supporter representation is what the Germans excel at in their clubs. They have strong fan bases who have a huge say in the decision-making process. But, this 50+1 rule also worries people up to the extent that this might result in companies stopping investment in the Bundesliga.
Over the next few months, the government, supporters’ organizations, and football authorities must devise a strategy. The proposal must resolve supporters' fears while still safeguarding English football. Many disgruntled ex-players and supporters have been practically silent on this subject over the last week. Meanwhile, although Manchester United fans are united in their opposition to the Glazers as owners, pressure should be applied to them to relinquish any ownership of the club as well as to the government not to allow this to go unnoticed. These six business owners had previously attempted Project Big Picture and now the European Super League. It's entirely probable that they'll return in the next year or two.
There’s a petition to bring in the 50+1 rule on the UK government's petition site. 30,000+ have signed at this.
Fans are certainly on the right way and it is to see how the government and the football body respond to this.
