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Greedy top clubs fined and warned after ESL shocker

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The six Premier League clubs involved in the European Super League (ESL) have been fined a combined total of £22m.

And the BBC reports that a  further fine of £25m each and a 30-point deduction will be applied should they attempt a similar project again.

It adds that  Uefa has temporarily suspended disciplinary proceedings against Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid who are yet to renounce the ESL.

They are the only three clubs among the original 12 that signed up for the rebel competition that are yet to accept any punishment.

The Football Association and Premier League are the latest to determine a punishment, though the £22m was described a “a gesture of goodwill” from clubs.

In a joint statement the league and the national governing body confirmed the money “will go towards the good of the game”, which includes “new investment in support for fans” and will help fund grassroots and community projects.

“The six clubs involved in proposals to form a European Super League have today acknowledged once again that their actions were a mistake, and have reconfirmed their commitment to the Premier League and the future of the English game,” the two bodies said in a statement.

“They have wholeheartedly apologised to their fans, fellow clubs, the Premier League and the FA.

“The Premier League and the FA have worked closely together throughout this process and this agreement brings both investigations into the matter to a conclusion.”

BBC Sport says it understands Manchester United’s owners the Glazer family, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, Arsenal’s majority shareholders Kroenke Sports Enterprises and Tottenham’s owners will pay the fine rather than their clubs.

ClaretandHugh says £22 million between the big six is the most token of gestures but the sting comes in the “if they ever do it again” there will be a 30 point deduction. That the owners of  Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal are ready to pay their fine shows how minimal it really is but at least some sort of action has been taken although few will argue that the PL has gone anywhere near far enough. In the end this is a victory solely for the fans who forced the hands of those involved and well done to all of you. The threat of a 30 point punishment if there is a next time plus the fury of the fans should stop any of these greedy clubs from even considering such action again. Whether it will or not is a vexed question but frankly I can’t see a repeat given these circumstances.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

0 comments

  • DutchCourage says:

    Absolute cop-out. The penalty is not even small change for the owners of the greedy six.

  • Dave says:

    £4m each, what’s that ?
    Half an average price players wages for a year.
    That showed them .
    They must be laughing at the premier league, and it shows they still have all the power.
    Nothing has changed then, business as usual. Hi

  • Robert Leonard Comber says:

    Does anybody know what happens to the 22 million fine?

    Chocolate biccies for UEFA folk?

    • tom says:

      i heard the fines go to grass roots football, could be wrong, hope its right .still peanuts for them.

  • blimey! says:

    The Threat of a 30 point deduction….. to a club that will be leaving the organisation…… ????
    Like shouting at you soon-to-be- Ex Mrs, as she’s filing divorce papers “You won’t be getting any more sex from me..!!!”

  • Saul says:

    Is anyone surprised? Our league is run by cowards who don’t have to be held accountable by anyone. This was likely agreed to by those very clubs they should have punished.

    The Premier League’s rules, like those people who create them, are a farce.

  • West Ham Fan No 32 says:

    Disgraceful they are probably all laughing at it, they couldn’t give a toss about the other clubs, the PL are in their back pocket as are all of the FIFA / UEFA / FA mugs the whole thing is a cartel where they expect and reward this kind of greed.

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