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Football fans fearful as fresh plans for European Super League are announced
They don't seem to be getting the message: nobody wants this. Don't be fooled by any of it.
Football fans have been left fearful and asking why as fresh plans for a new European Super League have once again been posed by the same people behind the previous failed proposal.
According to an interview with A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart, the organisation created to help sponsor and onboard the previous Super League iteration, a new-look competition is being discussed and could contain 60-80 teams and a multi-divisional format (a key aspect it didn’t include last time).
Speaking to German outlet Die Welt, Reichart insists that the league would be based on sporting performance and merit alone, with no permanent members — again, a key issue with the franchising model set up and eventually abandoned back in 2021.
Nevertheless, despite supposed tweaks to the ‘competition’ format, the general consensus seems to be that A22‘s reassurances are an empty gesture and that the people behind this movement are once again looking to pull the wool over the eyes of football fans everywhere.
The A22 boss goes on to say that “teams would be guaranteed a minimum of 14 matches per season” and that talks with 50 possible participants have been “open, honest [and] constructive”, as well as suggesting that “clubs often find it impossible to speak out publicly against a system that uses the threat of sanctions to thwart opposition.”
Like the chief architects tried to argue on the first attempt, Reichart insisted that “the foundations of European football are in danger of collapsing” and that “it’s time for a change.”
“It is the clubs that bear the entrepreneurial risk in football. But when important decisions are at stake, they are too often forced to sit idly by on the sidelines as the sporting and financial foundations crumble around them”. Note, very little mention of fans anywhere here.
However, as the Football Supporters’ Association rightly pointed out, there is no need for another European competition catered towards the continent’s top clubs as one already exists: the Champions League — you know, one of the biggest and already most lucrative sporting events in the world.
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Moreover, Spanish football’s top division La Liga have also been the first to openly speak out against the Super League Mk.II, immediately rejecting the idea that home teams Real Madrid and Barcelona played a key role in championing last time round.
Writing in a statement, the organisation say: “The Super League is the wolf in the story of Little Red Riding Hood. It is disguising itself as an open and meritocratic competition, but underneath there is still the same selfish, elitist and greed-driven project. Don’t let their tales fool you.”
Now if that doesn’t tell you what proper football people think about this idea then what will?
Regardless of how they try to spin things to make it more palatable to clubs around Europe and their fans, it is nothing more than another money-grabbing attempt at spoiling the beautiful game.
Football isn’t perfect but this isn’t the answer.
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Featured Image — Super League/Sky Sports
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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x
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Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United
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There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
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Featured Images — Disney
