Rob Gutmann, Neil Atkinson , Alison McGovern, Jay McKenna and Andy Kelly gather for a ‘special investigation’ into the future of European football .
The guys get ‘way existential’ as they discuss the ramifications of UEFA’s proposal to add a 3rd European competition , Spain’s consideration of ‘game 39’ and the bad smells that continue to foul the atmosphere around football’s governing bodies . What’s the point of European football and where is the accountability for its short comings ? This and more . First of a potential 10 parter. It’s that good.
Unwrapped: UEFA’s 3rd Wheel And Where Will It Lead?
The bourgeoisie cannot exist without constantly revolutionising the instruments of production, and thereby the relations of production, and with them the whole relations of society. Conservation of the old modes of production in unaltered form, was, on the contrary, the first condition of existence for all earlier industrial classes. Constant revolutionising of production, uninterrupted disturbance of all social conditions, everlasting uncertainty and agitation distinguish the bourgeois epoch from all earlier ones. All fixed, fast-frozen relations, with their train of ancient and venerable prejudices and opinions, are swept away, all new-formed ones become antiquated before they can ossify. All that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses his real conditions of life, and his relations with his kind.
The need of a constantly expanding market for its products chases the bourgeoisie over the entire surface of the globe. It must nestle everywhere, settle everywhere, establish connexions everywhere.
Jay at least senses the reasons for this 3rd league. That’s why he pleads for democratic control of clubs. It’s capitalism. It’s Agnelli’s baby, the Fiat industrialist who owns Juventus. Juve won’t get anywhere near a 3rd tier European competition. But Agnelli has lobbied for a European super league that plays on weekends, relegating national leagues to weekdays. It’s an plan to make more money out of more football, and thereby appease mid-ranking clubs to clear the way for a European super league. It’s no surprise whatsoever that the American Charlie Stillitano (Relevant Sports) is behind bringing actual La Liga matches to the US, the integrity of the league be damned. The “enlightened self-interest” part was cute, though.