The Dark Side of Football’s Multi-Club Model
The recent transfer of Brazilian forward Savinho to Manchester City has raised eyebrows, not only because of the player’s potential, but also due to the fact that he’s the latest addition to the multi-club empire of City Group. This got me thinking: what’s the impact of the multi-club model on the beautiful game?
It’s scandalous and unacceptable that clubs with a rich history and identity, like Bordeaux, are forced to sell out to bigger clubs. The multi-club model is a quasi-franchise system that prioritizes revenue over everything else. It’s a far cry from the values that football was founded upon.
Under UEFA’s presidency, the governing body has failed to take action against this trend. Instead, they’ve granted dispensations to clubs who share ownership, allowing them to compete in the same competition. This is a clear attack on the integrity of the game.
The consequences are far-reaching. Take, for example, the recent transfer of Savinho from Troyes to Girona. How can we even begin to set a fair value for that transfer, considering the intricate web of ownership and financial ties involved? It’s a mess, and UEFA’s failure to address this issue is appalling.
So, what’s the solution? The only way to preserve the integrity of football is to reject the multi-club model and return to the values of the beautiful game. We need to prioritize fairness, transparency, and sporting merit.
Is There Hope for Someone Else to Win the Champions League?
With Kylian Mbappé and Endrick joining Real Madrid, it’s clear that they’re the team to beat. But what about the other contenders? Endrick is a talented player, but if he plays in his natural position, he’ll occupy the space that Jude Bellingham was so successful in last season. Vinícius Júnior’s pace and movement will be crucial to their European success.
Ancelotti has a reputation for managing egos and finding structures to accommodate multiple stars. However, this signing feels like one where a great player joins a great team and makes them worse. That said, Barcelona are a mess, and Madrid should still win La Liga.
The Pressing Refereeing Concern
The new season is just around the corner, and the biggest concern is, as always, VAR. Semi-automated offside in the Premier League is a welcome addition, but the handball rule is still a major issue. Catching a player in the follow-through is now considered a foul, but when is it not? It’s a gray area that’s only getting more confusing.
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