European Super League

[Deleted member 16999]

FFP should be scrapped, it only helps keep certain Clubs at the top and creates a wider gulf between those already considered as UEFA Royalty.

The consortium who wish to buy Newcastle, why shouldn’t they be allowed to spend as much as they want as quick as they want?

1 reason, they become a threat to the establishment.

We all want success for our Clubs, just seems some “expect” to get it on their terms only at the expense of others!

 

[Deleted member 29109]

What were your thoughts when Risdale and Co were overspending as the team was battling in the Champions League semi final and buying the likes of Ferdinand few record fees

I thought it was madness. Rio was fine as he was a top player. Some of the other signings and spending was crazy

 

[Blue in Munich]

The Owner and Board of Chelsea Football Club would like to address Chelsea supporters about the events which have taken place over the past few days. We have taken time since withdrawing from the ESL to speak directly to various supporter groups and listen to their views and concerns.

Our ambition with Chelsea Football Club has always been to make it the best club in the world, both on the pitch and in how we work with, and give back to the community off it.

The joint decision to join the ESL was driven by this same ambition. When it became clear that a new league might be formed, we did not want Chelsea FC to miss out on the opportunity to play in such a potentially prominent league, nor did we want to risk the Club falling behind our closest English and European rivals in competitive terms.

As a Club, we are committed to an open and regular dialogue with our fans and other stakeholders, but, on this occasion, regrettably, due to time constraints and confidentiality restraints, this was not achieved.

As concerns were raised following the announcement, the Club took a step back to listen and speak to supporters. Following those conversations and taking into account the extremely strong views against the proposal, we reassessed our initial decision and decided we did not want to be part of this league.

We also recognise the sentiment that had been expressed about whether the ESL relied strongly enough on sporting merit. This is something we had strong concerns about from the start and were confident would have been addressed during a further consultation process with various stakeholders, along with other concepts in the proposal about which we had reservations. We firmly believe that we must protect a structure which allows all clubs, players and supporters to dream of, and achieve, success.

We recognise we should have addressed these issues in advance of joining the group. The Owner and Board understand that involving the Club in such a proposal was a decision we should not have taken. It is a decision we deeply regret.

Another important factor in the decision to withdraw was the potential damage to the Club’s reputation and work on good causes. So much effort has gone into community work off the pitch over the last 17 years, and there was a risk that all of the Club’s efforts directed by the Owner on fighting racism, antisemitism, homophobia and other discriminatory behaviours would be lost. We could not afford to jeopardise the significant advances we have made in these areas, nor the vital and ongoing work of the Chelsea Foundation in other areas of our communities.

Chelsea Football Club is first and foremost a club rooted in tradition and community. We are also an ambitious club, and we have always strived to be the very best. In order to do that, we must constantly strive to improve and sometimes take risks.

We always welcome a debate about how we as a club develop and take on these new challenges. There needs to be room for disagreements, debates as well as mistakes, and we need to give each other the benefit of the doubt, and understand that we all have the best interest of the Club at heart. Mistakes are unavoidable, but it’s the ability to address those mistakes and jointly move forward which makes us strong as a club and community.

The Club always tries to be open and transparent with its supporters, and we remain committed to this in the future and will take actions to rebuild the trust of the supporters that we have enjoyed to this point. As such, the Club renews its commitment to listen to and engage with its supporters far better in future. The Board will lead consultations with supporter groups and other stakeholders on new mechanisms or structures that develop and safeguard fan representation in the Club’s work.

The Club does ask, however, that this dialogue is conducted in a respectful way. The abuse which some club representatives have been the target of over the past few days is not acceptable. Antisemitism, sexism, racism and threats of violence have no place in our community nor in this discussion. We hope that you will help us make sure that a respectful tone remains, even when we disagree.

Chelsea has a very rich history, and we know we are very fortunate to play a part in that. The Club was here before us, and will be here long after us. Our job is to ensure we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future.

The Owner and Board thank you for your continued support for the Club.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

The Owner and Board of Chelsea Football Club would like to address Chelsea supporters about the events which have taken place over the past few days. We have taken time since withdrawing from the ESL to speak directly to various supporter groups and listen to their views and concerns.

Our ambition with Chelsea Football Club has always been to make it the best club in the world, both on the pitch and in how we work with, and give back to the community off it.

The joint decision to join the ESL was driven by this same ambition. When it became clear that a new league might be formed, we did not want Chelsea FC to miss out on the opportunity to play in such a potentially prominent league, nor did we want to risk the Club falling behind our closest English and European rivals in competitive terms.

As a Club, we are committed to an open and regular dialogue with our fans and other stakeholders, but, on this occasion, regrettably, due to time constraints and confidentiality restraints, this was not achieved.

As concerns were raised following the announcement, the Club took a step back to listen and speak to supporters. Following those conversations and taking into account the extremely strong views against the proposal, we reassessed our initial decision and decided we did not want to be part of this league.

We also recognise the sentiment that had been expressed about whether the ESL relied strongly enough on sporting merit. This is something we had strong concerns about from the start and were confident would have been addressed during a further consultation process with various stakeholders, along with other concepts in the proposal about which we had reservations. We firmly believe that we must protect a structure which allows all clubs, players and supporters to dream of, and achieve, success.

We recognise we should have addressed these issues in advance of joining the group. The Owner and Board understand that involving the Club in such a proposal was a decision we should not have taken. It is a decision we deeply regret.

Another important factor in the decision to withdraw was the potential damage to the Club’s reputation and work on good causes. So much effort has gone into community work off the pitch over the last 17 years, and there was a risk that all of the Club’s efforts directed by the Owner on fighting racism, antisemitism, homophobia and other discriminatory behaviours would be lost. We could not afford to jeopardise the significant advances we have made in these areas, nor the vital and ongoing work of the Chelsea Foundation in other areas of our communities.

Chelsea Football Club is first and foremost a club rooted in tradition and community. We are also an ambitious club, and we have always strived to be the very best. In order to do that, we must constantly strive to improve and sometimes take risks.

We always welcome a debate about how we as a club develop and take on these new challenges. There needs to be room for disagreements, debates as well as mistakes, and we need to give each other the benefit of the doubt, and understand that we all have the best interest of the Club at heart. Mistakes are unavoidable, but it’s the ability to address those mistakes and jointly move forward which makes us strong as a club and community.

The Club always tries to be open and transparent with its supporters, and we remain committed to this in the future and will take actions to rebuild the trust of the supporters that we have enjoyed to this point. As such, the Club renews its commitment to listen to and engage with its supporters far better in future. The Board will lead consultations with supporter groups and other stakeholders on new mechanisms or structures that develop and safeguard fan representation in the Club’s work.

The Club does ask, however, that this dialogue is conducted in a respectful way. The abuse which some club representatives have been the target of over the past few days is not acceptable. Antisemitism, sexism, racism and threats of violence have no place in our community nor in this discussion. We hope that you will help us make sure that a respectful tone remains, even when we disagree.

Chelsea has a very rich history, and we know we are very fortunate to play a part in that. The Club was here before us, and will be here long after us. Our job is to ensure we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future.

The Owner and Board thank you for your continued support for the Club.

So they only joined because the other clubs were and presumably left for the same reason

Its good that the clubs have apologised, im sure that they hope that will be the end of the matter

However I think there is still some way to go before this episode is consigned to the history books

 

[clubchamp98]

The Owner and Board of Chelsea Football Club would like to address Chelsea supporters about the events which have taken place over the past few days. We have taken time since withdrawing from the ESL to speak directly to various supporter groups and listen to their views and concerns.

Our ambition with Chelsea Football Club has always been to make it the best club in the world, both on the pitch and in how we work with, and give back to the community off it.

The joint decision to join the ESL was driven by this same ambition. When it became clear that a new league might be formed, we did not want Chelsea FC to miss out on the opportunity to play in such a potentially prominent league, nor did we want to risk the Club falling behind our closest English and European rivals in competitive terms.

As a Club, we are committed to an open and regular dialogue with our fans and other stakeholders, but, on this occasion, regrettably, due to time constraints and confidentiality restraints, this was not achieved.

As concerns were raised following the announcement, the Club took a step back to listen and speak to supporters. Following those conversations and taking into account the extremely strong views against the proposal, we reassessed our initial decision and decided we did not want to be part of this league.

We also recognise the sentiment that had been expressed about whether the ESL relied strongly enough on sporting merit. This is something we had strong concerns about from the start and were confident would have been addressed during a further consultation process with various stakeholders, along with other concepts in the proposal about which we had reservations. We firmly believe that we must protect a structure which allows all clubs, players and supporters to dream of, and achieve, success.

We recognise we should have addressed these issues in advance of joining the group. The Owner and Board understand that involving the Club in such a proposal was a decision we should not have taken. It is a decision we deeply regret.

Another important factor in the decision to withdraw was the potential damage to the Club’s reputation and work on good causes. So much effort has gone into community work off the pitch over the last 17 years, and there was a risk that all of the Club’s efforts directed by the Owner on fighting racism, antisemitism, homophobia and other discriminatory behaviours would be lost. We could not afford to jeopardise the significant advances we have made in these areas, nor the vital and ongoing work of the Chelsea Foundation in other areas of our communities.

Chelsea Football Club is first and foremost a club rooted in tradition and community. We are also an ambitious club, and we have always strived to be the very best. In order to do that, we must constantly strive to improve and sometimes take risks.

We always welcome a debate about how we as a club develop and take on these new challenges. There needs to be room for disagreements, debates as well as mistakes, and we need to give each other the benefit of the doubt, and understand that we all have the best interest of the Club at heart. Mistakes are unavoidable, but it’s the ability to address those mistakes and jointly move forward which makes us strong as a club and community.

The Club always tries to be open and transparent with its supporters, and we remain committed to this in the future and will take actions to rebuild the trust of the supporters that we have enjoyed to this point. As such, the Club renews its commitment to listen to and engage with its supporters far better in future. The Board will lead consultations with supporter groups and other stakeholders on new mechanisms or structures that develop and safeguard fan representation in the Club’s work.

The Club does ask, however, that this dialogue is conducted in a respectful way. The abuse which some club representatives have been the target of over the past few days is not acceptable. Antisemitism, sexism, racism and threats of violence have no place in our community nor in this discussion. We hope that you will help us make sure that a respectful tone remains, even when we disagree.

Chelsea has a very rich history, and we know we are very fortunate to play a part in that. The Club was here before us, and will be here long after us. Our job is to ensure we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future.

The Owner and Board thank you for your continued support for the Club.

Re the bold bit.
It’s a pity clubs didn’t do that before instead of after the fact.

 

[Blue in Munich]

Re the bold bit.
It’s a pity clubs didn’t do that before instead of after the fact.

4th paragraph; As a Club, we are committed to an open and regular dialogue with our fans and other stakeholders, but, on this occasion, regrettably, due to time constraints and confidentiality restraints, this was not achieved.

Would you discuss this with fans representatives if there's a confidentiality clause? I wouldn't.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

When it comes to football matters I find it quite hilarious that the EPL and UEFA can claim higher moral status over absolutely anything.

 

[Blue in Munich]

The worst thing we can do now is think that UEFA, FIFA, the FA, Sky, BT, Boris Johnson and West ham are our saviours. God forbid.

We need to use this possible once in a lifetime opportunity to get the (sensible) fans involved more at board and association level domestically and internationally, as well as putting in place a salary cap., amongst many, many other things.

Interesting that Boris Johnson was espousing why English football clubs shouldn't leave an established European set-up to strike out on their own on the promise of greater things, and that he would do everything to stop it. One might say that his was the first U turn in this caper...

 

[Deleted member 15344]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1385920028164435968

 

[Liverbirdie]

Yeah, starting League 1 on - 15 points was a massive benefit.

You might have the benefit of getting rid of the owner many fans don't want.

I hope they throw the book at you.

Go for it, if you're that bitter.

I didnt make the decision, neither did my club.

I bet you enjoyed the run to the semis of the CL at the time, with one of the best Leeds side ever. Again, not the Leeds fans fault but your run would be every fans European tour dream - didnt you play at the Bernabeu, San Siro and possibly a few more of the European cathedrals? Every away fans bucket list. You could only dream of seeing your team at them stadiums in a lifetime, never mind one season.

Hows the Koi carp doing?

 

[Liverbirdie]

Interesting that Boris Johnson was espousing why English football clubs shouldn't leave an established European set-up to strike out on their own on the promise of greater things, and that he would do everything to stop it. One might say that his was the first U turn in this caper...

Bang on, mate.

 

[Liverbirdie]

FFP should be scrapped, it only helps keep certain Clubs at the top and creates a wider gulf between those already considered as UEFA Royalty.

The consortium who wish to buy Newcastle, why shouldn’t they be allowed to spend as much as they want as quick as they want?

1 reason, they become a threat to the establishment.

We all want success for our Clubs, just seems some “expect” to get it on their terms only at the expense of others!

Do you ever think an argument through to the next stage, or just the first stage?

How many EC/CL have Arsenal, Spurs, City and Chelsea won - the same amount as Villa.

Its been covered before, but if you want a billionaire turning any club into prem winners or CL winners by spending 3 billion, its no longer a sport.

You want meritocracy one minute then outspending winning everything the next. Is it because you now have an official billionaire in tow, backed up by another one now, perhaps?

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Do you ever think an argument through to the next stage, or just the first stage?

How many EC/CL have Arsenal, Spurs, City and Chelsea won - the same amount as Villa.

Its been covered before, but if you want a billionaire turning any club into prem winners or CL winners by spending 3 billion, its no longer a sport.

You want meritocracy one minute then outspending winning everything the next. Is it because you now have an official billionaire in tow, backed up by another one now, perhaps?

Different opinions are allowed and not everything is an argument!

 

[Liverbirdie]

Different opinions are allowed and not everything is an argument!

Yep they are, still havent answered the points raised, though.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Yep they are, still havent answered the points raised, though.

The only people we ever see whine on here about ffp are Lpool and Utd fans, but well done in playing the poster and not the post.

 

[Liverbirdie]

The only people we ever see whine on here about ffp are Lpool and Utd fans, but well done in playing the poster and not the post.

You missed out Arsenal fans, also.

If you look back 24 hours, many likes for your posts, a few not, so doesnt back your opinion up.

Do you want a sport were cash outstrips everything else, or just when it stops your big rivals winning trophies? Maybe its a lot more acceptable then for some.

 

[ColchesterFC]

Perez from Real Madrid saying that all the club's have legally binding contracts and can't just leave the ESL. I don't think this is going away any time soon and can see some court cases in the offing.

I wonder if the reason that Madrid and Barca haven't said they're leaving is because any compensation gets paid to the teams remaining in the competition. I've seen figures up to €100 million in compensation being mentioned if a team leaves. That would sort out a lot of the Spanish clubs debts if the others all had to pay them that sort of money.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

You missed out Arsenal fans, also.

If you look back 24 hours, many likes for your posts, a few not, so doesnt back your opinion up.

Do you want a sport were cash outstrips everything else, or just when it stops your big rivals winning trophies? Maybe its a lot more acceptable then for some.

I don’t post as part of a popularity contest.

The sad fact is it’s more a business than a sport these days and the only way some Clubs could even attempt to catch up to the big boys is by spending money, the days of Clubs having a 10 or even 5 year plan are long gone, so unless you want the big Clubs hit with a spend limit until the others catch up then we’ll always have at least 3 mini leagues within the PL.

As for my opinion coming from being a blue, it’s quite the opposite, if ever there’s an example of how not to spend money, it’s us!

 

[Liverbirdie]

I don’t post as part of a popularity contest.

The sad fact is it’s more a business than a sport these days and the only way some Clubs could even attempt to catch up to the big boys is by spending money, the days of Clubs having a 10 or even 5 year plan are long gone, so unless you want the big Clubs hit with a spend limit until the others catch up then we’ll always have at least 3 mini leagues within the PL.

As for my opinion coming from being a blue, it’s quite the opposite, if ever there’s an example of how not to spend money, it’s us!

Well get it back to more being a sport then, isnt that the answer, rather than giving sports washing oil countries carte blanche to carry on destroying our sport?

You pick your path, I'll pick mine, even if unlikely. OR spread the wealth better. Thats my two.

If yours is let our clubs get taken over by billionaires or countries as playthings then see who wins the most by spending the most, go for your life. Even if you dont "excusing" it is just as bad.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Well get it back to more being a sport then, isnt that the answer, rather than giving sports washing oil countries carte blanche to carry on destroying our sport?

You pick your path, I'll pick mine, even if unlikely. OR spread the wealth better. Thats my two.

If yours is let our clubs get taken over by billionaires or countries as playthings then see who wins the most by spending the most, go for your life. Even if you dont "excusing" it is just as bad.

I’d love it to go back to being a sport, but tell me, how do we make the “playing field” level so that in the short term 18 Clubs have a chance of winning the PL.

This week and project big picture shows the lengths the big clubs will go to to protect themselves and until they are brought in to line then, imo, the gloves should be off.