After some horse-trading towards the end of last week, involving a reluctant Spartak Moscow, a huge step was taken on Monday towards establishing a Unified Football Championship across former-Soviet countries. 14 Russian clubs met a representative club from the Ukrainian league in Moscow, with Ukrainian clubs now due a corresponding meeting.
The event was hosted by Gazprom deputy chairman, Alexei Miller, an ally of Vladimir Putin, who afterwards briefed Russian media and indicated Uefa were aware of their plans.
Miller said, “We think it is realistic to hold the championship from the autumn of 2014 to the spring of 2015, but if the time to reach agreements drags on, we plan to hold the championship from autumn 2015 to spring 2016.
“Since a championship like this is a complicated diplomatic matter, we have decided to initiate the championship initially with Ukraine only.
“In the future, if everything works out, we will be able to co-opt clubs from the other countries in the post-Soviet territories, but that’s the next step. All former-Soviet countries would be eligible to join.”
Show me the money
Gazprom sponsor the Uefa Champions League and are keen to sponsor the new league. Miller was clear that money would drive the change, promising annual sponsorship of €1 billion, which in world football is (a close) second only to the value of the next FA Premier League TV contract.
Uefa Financial Fair Play requirements make change, of some sort, inevitable in Russia and Ukraine. Leading clubs there are heavily subsidised by benefactors and, unless they manage to considerably improve their income, they will have to either get rid of all their expensive players, or forgo European competition.
As things stand, the sums don’t add up but money from a Unified Football Championship would allow clubs in Russia and Ukraine to meet Uefa Financial Fair Play requirements and compete with major leagues in the west. Gazprom have the seed cash and political influence, both domestically and at Uefa, to oil the wheels.
In 2005 Uefa sanctioned the Royal League in Scandinavia between the top four clubs from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, but the initiative was poorly organised and perished three years later due to a lack of a TV deal.
After this experiment several clubs across Europe started lobbying to extend the strategy to other leagues which were disenfranchised by a lack of competition or TV income. The principle was further confirmed by Michel Platini and the Uefa Executive Committee in March last year, when they approved a three year probationary period for the BeNe League, which combined top women’s teams from Belgium and the Netherlands, the first season of which is now underway.
The Committee stated at the time that, subject to a satisfactory outcome of the BeNe experiment, other cross-border leagues would be considered by the Executive Committee if all stakeholders (national associations, leagues and clubs) came to agreement on a way forward.
The former-Soviet countries are now motivated to regionalise. The Scandinavians have understood the potential of regionalisation for years but didn’t get it right (they retained national leagues which determined European qualification, the Royal League was effectively a friendly competition). The Belgians and Dutch have a pan-national league already underway, while the former-Yugoslav countries have discussed implementing the same for a couple of years now.
Wales and England have the longest-established regionalised league system in the world.
Meanwhile…………. at a national stadium near you, the only change on the agenda is whether to have three lower leagues or two.
Scottish football is fully aware the viability of many clubs is at a critical level, but have singularly failed to present the vision evident elsewhere in Europe. Whatever world-class technical, stadium and coaching resources we have is being squandered by unambitious leadership.
Months into deliberations Scottish football is only addressing how to slice up an ever-smaller pie. The enormous increase in income possible from regionalisation to SPL clubs, and what trickles-down to the lower leagues, dos not seem to have registered.
Hard cash can focus minds..
Spartak Moscow owner, Leonid Fedun, was highly critical of plans for the new league and insisted he would not attend Monday’s meeting but after doing so he said, “When I heard the budget per year was €1 billion I changed my mind and decided to attend. You can’t miss a chance to be the part of that game.”
Football across Europe is set for change, a fact a great deal of the UK media seem to have missed.
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snake plissken @ 10:51
I may be wrong but my understanding is that the Yes campaigners (SNP) have said there will be no change to the monarchy. The writer states “assuming Scots vote to maintain the monarchy…..” Where does this idea of a vote stem from?
The real problem that the SNP have at the moment is they are tripping over themselves to say everything will be the same (currency, monarchy, trade agreements, international relations etc). If that is the case then you’ve got to wonder “what is the point?”.
“Impeach Bawace”
A prominent pape in the SNP told me there was a majority among its MSPs who favoured ditching the monarchy but thought it best not to say so for the time being. I reckon it would be a big vote-winner, myself, but who am I to say?
Anyway, this is all ground as old as the poppy and songs debates.
What I really want to know is how a bike accident on Scapa Flow cost Joe his teeth and an eye.
Ten Men Won The League. @ 10 27.
I haven’t seen or heard anything that could be called ” crowing ” Post match comments conveyed a sense of satisfaction that their tactical approach had worked and that they had taken their chances . Lots of comments re not thinking that the tie is over . Some opining that a third would have been nice.. Allegri spoke about having watched both Celtic matches very closely . Pre match stuff included Allegri stating —-” They will have 65 % of the play , we must make sure they do nothing with it ” [ a remarkably accurate prediction !]
Media have been big on how ” sterile ” Barca were . All that possession , all those passes and next to no penetration .
Heard a radio pundit this morning — ” Football is not Figure Skating “..
Some discussion /debate re the first goal. General tone was that the ball deflected off Pedro and then hit the hands of Zapata [ and yes — his hands were high ] ! Was it voluntary / involuntary ? Another open to interpretation rule that needs sorting .
Some have expressed concern that the result might boost the vile Berlusconi’s vote . I fear they may be right…
Tie is far from over —- bigger pitch / far better pitch etc . The likes of Alba /Alves and Fabregas have rarely played so badly. Should be a great game.!
bankiebhoy1
Is a Bawace like a mouldmaster ??
Baw impeachface..
BigChipsUK – There’s only one (SPL) team in Glasgow
22:26 on
20 February, 2013
With the the squeezing in of absolutely any reference they could manage to the EPL during tonight’s Milan v Barca game, I thought I would take a look at the line-ups for the last England WC qualifier and the game against Brazil.
There were 4 Man Utd players in each of those starting line-ups, with no other single club boasting more than 2 players.
If all the recent media talk is to be believed, we could see Fraser Forster, Kelvin Wilson and Gary Hooper lining up for England in their next friendly. Yes, three players from a club that plays in a minor league somewhere in Northern Europe!
What does that say about the EPL?!!!
Going from your blog alone, I would say :-
Players of English International caliber are fairly well spread out in the EPL. Which is surprisingly good.
There is a concentration of English candidates at Scotland’s biggest club.
And that these possibles if picked would equal the number of Scottish internationalists at Celtic. Which don’t say much, if it’s such a one horse league, for the number of top quality Scots there.
Tallybhoy
One of our big problems with Regional leagues is that we live next door to the biggest bloated market of 5 bloated markets (Italy, Spain, Germany, and now,probably France), that is the EPL.
None of the 5 big countries is going to volunteer to dilute its wealth amongst nearby impoverished markets.
Scandinavian countries have some affinity through their previous trading block and might merge leagues. Nearby former USSR states have some affinity from previous shared leagues but there won’t be an appetite in Poland, Bulgaria or Hungary for allying with their old enemy and, even some of the former USSR states, such as Georgia, might resist through enmity.
However there are options which can break a dam.
If the USSR states form a league. If the Scandinavian leagues revive. If the Balkan states set up a pan-Balkans league (they may even invite countries beyond the former Yugoslav borders). If one of the big 5 sees a neighbour worthy of inviting to the party then Portugal might merge with Spain, or Holland with Germany.
If that, or anything like that, starts to occur, the natural tendency of the EPL, like any monopoly, is to restrict trade, but they may be spooked enough by developments to not miss out on any developing bandwagon.
I have no love for the EPL. My natural preference would be to be part of some Western Europe pan-National grouping, rather than be a Scottish version of Swansea and Cardiff. However, if it is the only offer on the table, it may have to be considered.
Retaining the monarchy, along with the SNP having power, are temporary states. If we achieve independence, we will have ample opportunity to become more involved in the political process, and short-term decisions such as this, can be changed in the future. Not so with the status quo.
Bawface is more of a Mitre 5
monteblanco
a great read mate
HH
Richie
11:19 on 21 February, 2013
If Scotland leaves the UK will we able to get rid of the SNP’s Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012?
Or will we get more of the same?
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon @ 10:35
“THE Football Association has closed the door on any attempt by Glasgow City to join the English Women’s Super League.”
Well that’s as predictable as it is disappointing.
Tallybhoy @ 10:57
“……….Will probably come about sooner rather than later – but what form will they take………………………………..British/British Isles league? Never see the light of day in my opinion.”
The fact is the long predicted financial melt down in England has not happened and is not on the current horizon.
A few seasons ago when we were demoted out of the FAPL in a meeting of the Club Chairmen (when we were supported by Bolton) the Premier League finances were very iffy and going to Scotland’s big two could have facilitated 10% growth at a stroke.
With further middle east and other wealthy investors, an ever increasing TV budget and Scotland now being a one trick pony the prospects are certainly looking grim.
However all we need to do s keep doing the right thing an events dear bhoy, events! Will afford an opportunity.
Hail! Hail!
…..ach well…..it’s the – troll’s AGM
in 20 mins. So, I’ll be – Off oot.
Snake Plissken .@ 10 51 .
Atheist me did that stuff in a Glasgow school [ 67/68 ] I didn’t give a fig then , I don’t give a fig now.
Had there been an Independence Referendum in 1968 -I would have been saying Show me the discernible benefits and Voting No ..
I left Bonnie Scotland @ 12 years ago and therefore won’t be voting . If I was living there I’d still be saying — Show me the discernible benefits- and I’d still be voting No. ..
I keep in contact with Scottish people —- a wee sample of @ 20 people . To the best of my knowledge none of them will be voting Yes .
Richie
“Retaining the monarchy, along with the SNP having power, are temporary states.”
As they are currently when there is equally no commitment to get rid.
” If we achieve independence, we will have ample opportunity to become more involved in the political process, and short-term decisions such as this, can be changed in the future. Not so with the status quo.”
Why can you not get involved currently? Are you disenfranchised?
Any decision can be changed by popular mandate whichever form of Unionist you are:-
Scotland in union with England, Wales and NI
Scotland in union with England and Wales
Scotland in union with Shetland & Orkney
Scotland in union with all mainland territories.
Scotland in union with all mainland territories minus the English enclaves of Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Dunblane.
I might be tempted to vote for the last one.
I’ve lived in england for 40 years – most english people i know would vote yes to scotland independence. Seem to feel that scotland do well under the uk with the old barnet formula.
SFTB
Why did you omit North Berwick ?
2nd post (on my own in guest house,before dinner) different subject.
How much I enjoyed the blogs on the Mitre ball and later Playground football.Too old for the Mitre but the same applied to street and waste ground,park football. Such a laugh,teary eyed, had to post to friends and my family back home. I also posted that this (Mitre) was for a later softer era,as was later concurred by fellow older posters who knew as I did…..
the apprehension (some would say fear) as my skinny knees rattled against each other, of the waterlogged ball with the “extra” of bulging leather lacing, hurtling towards me,quaking, as I heard the teacher bawling “Get up to it,…..You useless …..”
And then the totally different but wonderful story by Monteblanco,
Illustrating the pleasures, apart from Celtic news, that I get from this site.
With thanks to all who make it so.
tusker
Gene’s a Bhoys name
11:50 on 21 February, 2013
English nationalism is as distasteful and regressive as Scottish nationalism.
Other famous sports that were held at Celtic Park
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/Celtic+Park+-+Pedestrianism
thanks furra turkey tips(side letters) tho borgas dont think i will be asking 4 tea
Gene’s a Bhoys name
“Seem to feel that scotland do well under the uk with the old barnet formula.”
Didn’t do Gordon Smith any harm :-)
Tim Malone Will Tell
Add it to the list. I just have no personal experience of it, but I take your word for it. I also dislike Fort George- any other nominations for a new carved up Scotland?
Ernie
Interesting interpretation on my post
Starry
………..for one night only…..
“Impeach Mouldmaster Face”
(I must admit it does have a ring to it but I prefer the original)
HH.
Hot off the press: Sevco have released all their wingers from the club.
Whilst speculation is rife that this is the first step in Charles Green’s plans to radically reduce the clubs wage bill, it was left to Sally McCoist to explain:
“No, nothing so drastic as that. It’s just keeping in line with club policy.
Sevco have a long standing tradition, no crossing at Ibrox.”
Ernie
No not really because I’ve never heard that – I don’t know who coined that flattering description but having moved within those circles for most of my life I would guess it is made up by you.
Please don’t bother bringing out your bookmarks with the two guys who were bigots, I’ve read those books too and I don’t consider a guy from the 1930s or the bigot who ended up marrying a Catholic to be relevant to this discussion any more than I consider Enoch Powell to be controlling the Conservatives from the grave.
The point of the article I believe is that it is showing how outdated the Union actually is and it’s Sectarian features have no place and should have no place in modern Scotland – nothing wrong with that. The article believes that a written Constitution separating Church and state in an Independent Scotland would in time end Sectarianism. I happen to think that is true or at least I hope it is true and it would offer a damn sight more progress than stupid laws and yes the Offensive behaviour at football law was rushed through poorly conceived even things up garbage. It was wrong and the SNP are wrong on this issue. The best way to deal with it now is to challenge them and get them to change it. I believe it is up for review anyway.
Ask yourself this – if it was merely an SNP thing why have none of the bitter together politicians used it to attack the SNP? A sure-fire way to kill the Independence vote – they must agree with it.
Here’s the choice – vote yes for an uncertain but potentially better future or just keep things the same and we’ll all vote Labour to be outvoted by the South East of England making your vote irrelevant until England get bored of the Tories again. You are disenfranchising people.
The fact that Scotland’s future is determined by 14 million who live in the South east of England and not the 5 million who live in Scotland is reason enough for a yes vote.
When the oil eventually does go (although we were lied to in the 70’s as we were told it would be gone by now to frighten us – see a pattern developing here? – use any means necessary to frighten the idiots in Scotland so our resources can continue to be exploited) Scotland will be GIVEN Independence by Westminster. They won’t need us any more and there won’t be any of this most successful Union of nations in History garbage – it will be a relic of a bygone era so now you can get on with it.
You are selling your children and your children’s children’s future down the river by voting No in my opinion.
Richie is correct – we can change things once we get over the main hurdle and a written constitution developed by people like Tom Devine (should he be interested) and suggested by Scots across the country would in my opinion be a positive way forward.
I doubt very much that a great deal will change for at least a decade but down the line things will change. For better or ill is not the point – you can never know what the future will bring but I’d would go back to live in Scotland if we vote Yes. I won’t with a no vote.
South Of Tunis
A great deal of the vote depends on many factors – age being one of them and a recent study suggests young people 18 – 24 are in support of Independence to the tune of 58% percent. It is significant.
Lowering the voting age might swing it.
You never know.
bankiebhoy1
The original is the best, always makes me chuckle…
Celtic-first,
Didn’t think we had any “prominent papes” in the SNP.
Maybee there’s hope for us after all.
Monteblanco, wonderful read, they fear us now we are educated.
Bma
ernie lynch @ 11 56 .
Indeed .
Remember seeing a Vote – M. I . S . [ Movement for The Independence of Sicily ] poster which had been defaced with this —–
” This Greek Roman Viking Norman Turkish Arab Spanish Sicilian has no problems with being Italian “
N A due anytime??
Tv people
What series is sons of anarchy and breaking bad presently in ?
Just started watching both recently, on series 2 of SOA and 3 of breaking bad.
Just finished sopranos at weekend. Tough times at moment. What a show
jimmci
Oh aye.
Good Afternoon CQN.
I haven’t posted or be on the blog for a couple of weeks.
If you all don’t mind I would like to share some personal news with you all.
I was in Glasgow for the Juventus game ,whilst there I had the pleasure of having a chance meeting with a few of the esteemed CQNrs ,great to put a face to many names.
Unfortunately I received some bad news whilst in Glasgow ,last wednesday my Mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer .
I had to go back to Jersey the day following the match,I had booked a flight to come back up on the Saturday.
Sadly My Mum passed away last friday evening. The last inter action I had with my Mum was when she spotted the green and white scarf that I was trying to conceal in my jacket pocket because we were in a Hospital. When I told her I was going to the match it brought a smile to her face as she knew how much Celtic means to me.
My Mums funeral on is on Saturday. It would be greatly appreciated if wherever you may be ,offer up a wee prayer or raise a glass in my Mums’ memory.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jungle Jim for his kind words and confidentiality.
Settle an arggy. Last week on M M answered Q on Celtic FC. He was asked who founded C F C and he said Br Walfrid which in my opinion was correct.
A friend of mine said that was wrong. HELPPPPPP!!!
new article posted.
Sevcomedy’s gushing praise for Mark Daly:
“Someone needs to let the Royal television Society know that the documentary which has just been awarded best Nations and Regions Current Affairs and News Event was in actual fact based on fantasy, a bit of a witch-hunt and indeed has since been discredited!
Or does my understanding of the word ‘journalism’ differ from everyone elses…..!
“Judges said the programme, presented by reporter Mark Daly, was “a superb piece of investigative reporting”.
The awards ceremony was held in London on Wednesday evening.
The jury praised the programme for “presenting a complex story of financial chicanery, personal ambition and sporting hubris in a compelling and dramatic manner.”
Who were the ****ing judges? Liewell, Rhegan, Lennon?? Phil whatevvertherepublican****hecallshimself?? Unbelievable.”
Wait ’till he finds out out Alex Thomson got an award too!
Oh, channelislandcelt, I’m so sorry to hear that. Best wishes to you and your family.