The Mail Bag
Champions League Play-Off!
Comments (47)
Just read an article stating that a Champions League play-off is being considered for the Premier League.
The plan is that only the top three teams automatically enter the competition and then teams finishing in positions fourth to seventh play a mini-knockout competition.
I for one see this as a very exciting proposition. Not only does it increase the potential of someone breaking the "Sky 4" domination of CL qualification, but I can just picture us playing Liverpool in the play-off final. It would be more valuable than any FA Cup final in history, and they would have so much more to lose than we would. How sweet would it be to win that one?
I'm backing this idea 100%!
Jamie Sweet, Posted 15/02/2010 at 20:30:59
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I read in today's Grauniad that a proposal has been put to the PL that the 4th CL spot be decided by a play-off competition, and that eligibility for this last named could extend as far as the 7th place finishers.
While I think it's probably a good idea, what's the bet the first team to qualify by such means finishing outside the top 4 are the RS!
Whilst it is an exciting proposition for the Everton fan in me, I can’t help but think that it’s slightly ridiculous to allow the 7th placed team from the EPL into the increasingly inaccurately named Champions’ League.
However, we would be in a great position to win any May play-offs against Liverpool, Spurs or Aston Villa. It would be the sweetest victory of all to rob the CL spot from the lot across the park, after the snide way they got into the competition a few years back.
Somehow I don’t think this will ever see the light of day though.
However, we would be in a great position to win any May play-offs against Liverpool, Spurs or Aston Villa. It would be the sweetest victory of all to rob the CL spot from the lot across the park, after the snide way they got into the competition a few years back.
Somehow I don’t think this will ever see the light of day though.
I think it is too late to implement it this seen season with the World Cup at the end of the season, maybe next season it will be brought in.
In a two-leg format, much as I hate to say it, Liverpool are very efficient. Just witness all the "no hope" wins they have over the years, Chelsea, Juventus, AC.
And can we not see them winning the final thanks to a dubious penalty as a bambi style dive from their captain gives the excellent opportunity for the referee to ensure they get into Europe.
No way — the chiefs at the Premier League know what I know and this is just to make sure they make it,
And can we not see them winning the final thanks to a dubious penalty as a bambi style dive from their captain gives the excellent opportunity for the referee to ensure they get into Europe.
No way — the chiefs at the Premier League know what I know and this is just to make sure they make it,
This is another scam: now that there are several teams vying for 4t spot - including monebyags City, this is a way of giving all four of the current sky/rich 4 a shot at the CL.
For me collusion is not acceptable. The sooner this cartel that is the CL is smashed, or at least the competition reduced, the better. Champions, and maybe 2nd place teams, only. Scrap the league and return it to a cup format. It has ruined football.
For me collusion is not acceptable. The sooner this cartel that is the CL is smashed, or at least the competition reduced, the better. Champions, and maybe 2nd place teams, only. Scrap the league and return it to a cup format. It has ruined football.
This won’t happen for at least 3 years due to television commitments. Don’t want to start a conspiracy theory here, but have you thought this has probably come from someone at one of the so called Big 4. The RS and Arsenal are the two teams most under threat from the emergence of City, Spurs, Villa and of course our good selves. Now rather than one of the them missing out completely this will give them at least another chance to qualify.
It could also give them a swift kick in the goolies if they come forth then lose the play-offs. I just think they realise for the first time they are under a very serious threat from the also ran’s in the EPL, and are willing to cover their backs.
I don’t see a problem with this, I would change it slightly, for instance have only the top 2 auto qualify for CL then the next 4 + 2 cup winners go into a tourney with 2 CL spots available. I suspect this was born out of Platini’s hatred of all things England & the fact that no-one is able to break the top 4 in this country. If it’s an attempt to spread the wealth around a little and help break the stranglehold the Sky 4 have on the EPL then I think it’s not a bad place to start.
If the better teams finish in 3rd & 4th then they need to be good enough to get past those teams around them to get a CL spot, I don’t see what’s wrong with that. ... So for instance lets say Birmingham finish 7th, they would have to play an away play-off tie at say, Villa (5th), the winner of that would go on to play Arsenal at Wembley. If Birmingham won those 2 games after a long season then they deserve to take Arsenal’s place in the CL.
If the better teams finish in 3rd & 4th then they need to be good enough to get past those teams around them to get a CL spot, I don’t see what’s wrong with that. ... So for instance lets say Birmingham finish 7th, they would have to play an away play-off tie at say, Villa (5th), the winner of that would go on to play Arsenal at Wembley. If Birmingham won those 2 games after a long season then they deserve to take Arsenal’s place in the CL.
I mean c’mon, apart from the odd game here & there Arsenal haven’t exactly set Europe alight and they’ve had any number of opportunities. Sure other teams would struggle at first but give it a few years and I think we might have an all-together different and more changeable top 4 & some teams that can hold their own in Europe.
What happens if the shite finish tenth? Maybe it could be extended further. Like a play off between 8th to 12th to see who gets in the main play-off.
If they still fail then there’s always the Europa League, which if they win could also qualify this way.
Money-making con, Stevie Meeee La (No forehead) will make sure, along with the ref, that they get through.
I actually think it is a disgusting idea, why should a team that finishes 7/8th potentially beat out a team possibly 30 points above them on the strength of one game. It may be good for us if we get into those positions but still a horrible idea.
What next, play-offs for relegation so a team with potentially 10 points gap from the next team getting relegated.
Money-making bullshit.
I actually think it is a disgusting idea, why should a team that finishes 7/8th potentially beat out a team possibly 30 points above them on the strength of one game. It may be good for us if we get into those positions but still a horrible idea.
What next, play-offs for relegation so a team with potentially 10 points gap from the next team getting relegated.
Money-making bullshit.
No, no, no... just another money-spinning scam. If you finish fourth that’s it — you’ve qualified on merit. The league is based on a whole season, not some gimmicky play off.
Suppose the team in fourth was vastly superior all season and finished well ahead of the others, but had some bad injuries for the two games of the play-off. Just makes a mockery of the league system.
The most ridiculous aspect of all this is that 6th/7th place aren’t even automatic Europa League qualification places. They only come into the equation if teams who have already qualified for Europe win the cups. I know this happens most seasons but two years ago when Portsmouth and Spurs won the cups, it didn’t happen then.
Yep my thoughts exactly - money making.
And not just from the Sky 4 point of view.
It would be an extra fixture at Wembely for the FA to cream some money from - oh they do love a game at Wembley do the boys at Lancaster Gate!!
And not just from the Sky 4 point of view.
It would be an extra fixture at Wembely for the FA to cream some money from - oh they do love a game at Wembley do the boys at Lancaster Gate!!
Just another excuse to get the RS into Europe at any cost. At the end of the season most teams are knackered anyway. If you achieve fourth place, you achieve fourth place and that
should be that. In point of fact IF there have to be play-offs, then automatic qualification should be restricted to the champions and play-off between the next four clubs might be a possibility but frankly I think a Champions League should be just that.
should be that. In point of fact IF there have to be play-offs, then automatic qualification should be restricted to the champions and play-off between the next four clubs might be a possibility but frankly I think a Champions League should be just that.
I didn’t realise how much of a Liverpool shaped chip on their shoulder so many Evertonians had until I read this post. People really need to get over the fact that the entire world is some sort of FA / Liverpool FC conspiracy please.
The proposal can’t be implemented for 3 seasons, and who knows what the finances of the Premier League clubs will be by then.
At present ,4 teams object to this apparently, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea. If it disrupts the established top 4, then I am in favour, although I think they might be better to do something like
5th v 6th
4th v the winner of 5th v 6th
Winner gets CL, RU gets Europa League
So as to give the 4th team a benefit of some sort.
The proposal can’t be implemented for 3 seasons, and who knows what the finances of the Premier League clubs will be by then.
At present ,4 teams object to this apparently, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea. If it disrupts the established top 4, then I am in favour, although I think they might be better to do something like
5th v 6th
4th v the winner of 5th v 6th
Winner gets CL, RU gets Europa League
So as to give the 4th team a benefit of some sort.
A play-off for a play-off position... Yet another way to devalue the Champions League, and screw as much money out of football...
As much as I’d love to see the extra football (and it’s certainly a high stakes prize on show) — I really think the Champions League should be for Champions only.
However, if it does come off (3 years away) — it’ll no doubt be a very exciting competition...
I remembered the EPL wanted to play a 39th game abroard which was shot down.
Well, guess where these games will be played????
First legs in Dubai and Malaysia, second legs in LA and Jo’Berg and the two legged final in Sydney and... whoever promises the most cash..
As much as I dislike the cartel, qualification should be on merit.
Well, guess where these games will be played????
First legs in Dubai and Malaysia, second legs in LA and Jo’Berg and the two legged final in Sydney and... whoever promises the most cash..
As much as I dislike the cartel, qualification should be on merit.
I'm for this idea in principle, stopping the Sky 4 monopoly can only be good for the game. As one of the chasing clubs we would have been involved in this the last few years and maybe could have got into the CL, although would it not still be the qualifiying rounds? If we were established in the top 4 though maybe I may feel different. I can see the argument about a 7th placed team not earning a place in the "Champions League" but then the 2nd 3rd and 4th placed teams also come under that umbrella i.e. not "Champions" . I think the competion needs to go back to the name of the "European Cup".
Maybe a better idea is to have the FA Cup or Europa winners going into the CL, at least they will be "Champions" of their competition. I know this has been discussed on here previously.
Im not convinced about this argument its all a plot to get the RS into the CL. They still have to win it remember. Although the time they qualified by coming 5th still annoys me. I agree if you win a trophy you should defend it but they were not the rules at the time (another argument for another day).
Whats wrong with another day at Wembley, I quite enjoyed going to the Cup Final (result aside), and the Semi was somthing else.
Finally it can’t happen for another 4 years anyway I think including this one. Somthing to do with the TV rights having already been sold and the format of the competition being set.
Maybe a better idea is to have the FA Cup or Europa winners going into the CL, at least they will be "Champions" of their competition. I know this has been discussed on here previously.
Im not convinced about this argument its all a plot to get the RS into the CL. They still have to win it remember. Although the time they qualified by coming 5th still annoys me. I agree if you win a trophy you should defend it but they were not the rules at the time (another argument for another day).
Whats wrong with another day at Wembley, I quite enjoyed going to the Cup Final (result aside), and the Semi was somthing else.
Finally it can’t happen for another 4 years anyway I think including this one. Somthing to do with the TV rights having already been sold and the format of the competition being set.
All they are talking about is a play-off of some kind, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be like the lower league play-offs with 4 teams, two legs and a final.
The EPL is becoming one of the most popular leagues in the world, of any sport, and the smaller clubs want a piece of the action, rather than all the money going to the Sky 4.
Between now and the end of the current TV contracts, there will be lots of ideas floating around. You can bet your house that Game 39 will be mentioned again in some new format. Whether any of them will change anything (or even happen) is another matter.
The EPL is becoming one of the most popular leagues in the world, of any sport, and the smaller clubs want a piece of the action, rather than all the money going to the Sky 4.
Between now and the end of the current TV contracts, there will be lots of ideas floating around. You can bet your house that Game 39 will be mentioned again in some new format. Whether any of them will change anything (or even happen) is another matter.
"I didn’t realise how much of a Liverpool shaped chip on their shoulder so many Evertonians had until I read this post."
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It’s pathetic isn’t it...I’ve had posts mysteriously disappear for commenting on this unhealthy infatuation with Liverpool shaped conspiracy theories..
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It’s pathetic isn’t it...I’ve had posts mysteriously disappear for commenting on this unhealthy infatuation with Liverpool shaped conspiracy theories..
I thought Moyes was pretty cute yesterday, the media expected him to bite their hands off at the mention of a 4th place play-off but he didn't.
If he had, he’d essentially be saying we don't have legitimate claims to be a Top 4 club — which may or may not be true... but he’s never going to admit that to them or himself.
In an ideal world, I’d want us to fight for 4th genuinely but to be honest I’m sick to death of the same four clubs creaming it in year-in, year-out so personally think it’d be great to be honest — anything to spread the joy.
The Champions League ceased being a competition for Champions at its inception and this way a play off a) puts the frighteners on the Sky 4 not in the top 2 positions and b) keeps the season well and truly alive for anyone in the top half.
Play off for 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th. Winner of final goes into Chs League, runner up goes into Europa then the two losing semi finalists play off for final Europa place.
The more chance we have to play in big games the better as far as I’m concerned —- and it would be a fucking big game.
If he had, he’d essentially be saying we don't have legitimate claims to be a Top 4 club — which may or may not be true... but he’s never going to admit that to them or himself.
In an ideal world, I’d want us to fight for 4th genuinely but to be honest I’m sick to death of the same four clubs creaming it in year-in, year-out so personally think it’d be great to be honest — anything to spread the joy.
The Champions League ceased being a competition for Champions at its inception and this way a play off a) puts the frighteners on the Sky 4 not in the top 2 positions and b) keeps the season well and truly alive for anyone in the top half.
Play off for 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th. Winner of final goes into Chs League, runner up goes into Europa then the two losing semi finalists play off for final Europa place.
The more chance we have to play in big games the better as far as I’m concerned —- and it would be a fucking big game.
Agree with Mike Green, it is completely in our favour if this play-off thing is brought in. In fact, it’s almost as if it was made for us when you look at recent league history:
Last 5 seasons, teams who have finished 5th or 6th:
Everton 3 times
Aston Villa 2
Tottenham 2
Bolton, Blackburn, Liverpool 1
We’re the obvious beneficiaries of this idea so I really don’t see how in the world people think it’s anti-us and pro-Liverpool? - In the last 4 seasons they’ve only been 4th once, either 3rd or better other years.
Let’s get behind this idea instead of constantly panicking about how the Shite might benefit.
Last 5 seasons, teams who have finished 5th or 6th:
Everton 3 times
Aston Villa 2
Tottenham 2
Bolton, Blackburn, Liverpool 1
We’re the obvious beneficiaries of this idea so I really don’t see how in the world people think it’s anti-us and pro-Liverpool? - In the last 4 seasons they’ve only been 4th once, either 3rd or better other years.
Let’s get behind this idea instead of constantly panicking about how the Shite might benefit.
A few points I can’t work out.
I do not see how this works with the Europa positions. Would the runner up of the final get this? And what if one of the teams wins the FA Cup, who would get the free Europa place?
Let's say that the play offs are 4th vs 7th and 5th Vs 6th.
4th loses to 7th and then 7th beats 6th in the final.
7th goes into CL, 6th into EL.
Does 4th get free EL spot, if one becomes available, becuase they are the highest original league position?
Or what about another playoff match between 4th and 5th to decide.
It doesn’t work for me.
I thought most people were in favour of reducing the number of matches played these days. I can’t see the England manager being happy in a summer tournament year.
I can’t see a manger being happy about it if they are in the FA cup or CL final but have only managed a play-off place in the league.
And finally for the Liverpool bias brigaders — If Liverpool were to finish in a relegation position, how about a new play-off style so that they play the runners up of the Championship and whever wins that game goes into the Champions League!!!!!!!
I do not see how this works with the Europa positions. Would the runner up of the final get this? And what if one of the teams wins the FA Cup, who would get the free Europa place?
Let's say that the play offs are 4th vs 7th and 5th Vs 6th.
4th loses to 7th and then 7th beats 6th in the final.
7th goes into CL, 6th into EL.
Does 4th get free EL spot, if one becomes available, becuase they are the highest original league position?
Or what about another playoff match between 4th and 5th to decide.
It doesn’t work for me.
I thought most people were in favour of reducing the number of matches played these days. I can’t see the England manager being happy in a summer tournament year.
I can’t see a manger being happy about it if they are in the FA cup or CL final but have only managed a play-off place in the league.
And finally for the Liverpool bias brigaders — If Liverpool were to finish in a relegation position, how about a new play-off style so that they play the runners up of the Championship and whever wins that game goes into the Champions League!!!!!!!
The way this will be implemented is if the RS finish top 4 there’ll be no play-off. If they finish outside of the top 4 there’ll be a play-off and a new coefficient will be introduced where Liverpool get a 10 goal lead at the start. If Liverpool then fail to win their play-off over the normal 2 legs then the match will be replayed until Liverpool do win. Liverpool will also receive a cheque for £1 million for every minute they play.
If Everton were to finish 4th and Liverpool finish anywhere below 4th, Liverpool will automatically qualify at Everton’s expense. This way the refs don’t even need to get involved.
The rules are clear.
If Everton were to finish 4th and Liverpool finish anywhere below 4th, Liverpool will automatically qualify at Everton’s expense. This way the refs don’t even need to get involved.
The rules are clear.
Alan Clarke - Thanks for emphasising my point
Cheers Paddy.
I’ll get shot down for this but isn't the bottom line that the only team that suffers in this is those that come 4th? Unless they win the play-offs, in which case it makes no real difference (more games, yes, but also more revenue and, to be honest, so what — isn't playing football matches what this 9 month excercise every year is all about...?).
Places 1-3 are essentially unaffected, 5-7 get a shot at the big time and 4th has to lump it — after all, they knew they’d have to play off at the end of the season if they didnt get Top 3 any way. So, three teams are better off, one isn't. Job done.
If they do introduce it, I can put my house on it we get 4th in the inaugral year and then there will be a mighty wringing of hands, weeping and a gnashing of teeth! Especially if we then go on to lose to the RS in the final! TW will experience meltdown!
Bring it on. Get it done.
I’ll get shot down for this but isn't the bottom line that the only team that suffers in this is those that come 4th? Unless they win the play-offs, in which case it makes no real difference (more games, yes, but also more revenue and, to be honest, so what — isn't playing football matches what this 9 month excercise every year is all about...?).
Places 1-3 are essentially unaffected, 5-7 get a shot at the big time and 4th has to lump it — after all, they knew they’d have to play off at the end of the season if they didnt get Top 3 any way. So, three teams are better off, one isn't. Job done.
If they do introduce it, I can put my house on it we get 4th in the inaugral year and then there will be a mighty wringing of hands, weeping and a gnashing of teeth! Especially if we then go on to lose to the RS in the final! TW will experience meltdown!
Bring it on. Get it done.
Chris, do not underestimate the power of the G14. I know people can argue about Liverpool deserving the right to defend their crown but Uefa changed the rules that year when we finished 4th to accommodate Liverpool. I just find it amazing that this play-off idea comes out the year that Liverpool’s Champions League place is most under threat.
If they want to make it a more even playing field, the final CL place should go to the winners of the FA Cup. At least they could justify being champions of something. The team that finishes 7th should have no claim on a CL place.
If they want to make it a more even playing field, the final CL place should go to the winners of the FA Cup. At least they could justify being champions of something. The team that finishes 7th should have no claim on a CL place.
I think this is a terrible idea and money spinner, as many have said how would you feel if you had romped comfortably to fourth only to be cheated by a team who deservedly finished seventh? I’ve also seen far too many daylight robbery referee decisions to think this could be a backdoor entry for the usual suspects (RS) should they finish out of the top four via crooked game(s).
No, if you finish fourth you are in, if you don’t you are out.
No, if you finish fourth you are in, if you don’t you are out.
What a tedious idea. The fact that 2nd 3rd & 4th get to play with the winners in the Champions (sic) League is risible enough as it is!
Ciaran — I’ve had posts disappear for no reason other than someone doesn’t like the cut of my jib — It’s probably a Kopite Konspiracy :)
Personally I couldn’t care a less about England and let's face it, we're never gonna win a major tournament in any case.
So for Everton I think this would be great. The only change I would make would be that the Winners (only) of the FA Cup get a spot and the play-offs are then from 3rd to 6th.
This would grant a real prize back to the FA Cup and most of the teams from 6th upwards would be involved in Europe in any case, so it would just be a question of which cup.
So for Everton I think this would be great. The only change I would make would be that the Winners (only) of the FA Cup get a spot and the play-offs are then from 3rd to 6th.
This would grant a real prize back to the FA Cup and most of the teams from 6th upwards would be involved in Europe in any case, so it would just be a question of which cup.
The media have been mentioning all season that Liverpool’s debt is a serious problem without champions league qualification. And now we have this proposal just when Villa have experience of fighting for 4th, City can outspend anyone, Spurs have a big squad and Everton are seasoned contenders.
This proposal isn’t about breaking up the cartel, it’s about maintaining the status quo. And far from thinking it’s a conspiracy against us for Liverpool, it’s quite clearly for Liverpool and Arsenal to the detriment of probably city. We should be very wary of this, just do a quick mental list of the clubs in the premier who have the most experience of 2-legged ties.
As for the TV contract, I’m certain that they would jump at the chance to show these play offs. If they were offered the extra games free or for a nominal amount they would bite the FA’s grubby hand off. Think of all the adverts they could show during the "richest game in the world".
I’m against it for the simple reason that the RS NEED IT BADLY. Fuck ’em, lets watch and laugh as city qualify season in season out while the RS get buried under the mountain of debt that they used to climb above us and the other big clubs who didn’t have FA/UEFA/SKY to help them out.
Alan,
The rule won’t appear for at least three years....wrap some tinfoil around your head.
The rule won’t appear for at least three years....wrap some tinfoil around your head.
Oh and the G14 disbanded several years ago as well...
A pencil up each nostril as well!
A pencil up each nostril as well!
Guess where such a play off would be played? Dubai or somewhere.
Its Richard Scuadmore with his latest ploy to get ENGLISH Premier League games played abroad.
Its the pre-cusor to the 39th Game all over again.
The man has never given up.
What they should do is decrease difference 4th/5th place can expect to earn in prize money. The difference can be anything around £30 million a season.
Its ridiculous. Suits certain clubs and reduces competition. This play off scheme is just a ploy to get games played "on tour".
To the detriment of supporters in the UK.
Its Richard Scuadmore with his latest ploy to get ENGLISH Premier League games played abroad.
Its the pre-cusor to the 39th Game all over again.
The man has never given up.
What they should do is decrease difference 4th/5th place can expect to earn in prize money. The difference can be anything around £30 million a season.
Its ridiculous. Suits certain clubs and reduces competition. This play off scheme is just a ploy to get games played "on tour".
To the detriment of supporters in the UK.
Come on Ciaran, it does smell fishy this idea. If Liverpool fail to qualify for the CL for consecutive seasons there’ll be well and truly fucked financially. This would be an ideal way to make sure they’re okay. Man City are the ones who truly stand in Liverpool’s way and possibly Arsenal’s. The CL is such a nice little community they do not want other teams affecting the status quo and Liverpool are still far more marketable than Spurs, Villa, City or Everton.
The G14 was officially disbanded but are you saying these clubs have no influence on Uefa?
The G14 was officially disbanded but are you saying these clubs have no influence on Uefa?
Ciaron, will you be present at the game tonight?
Again, I’ll repeat...the idea will not come to furition until at least 3 years time....So, to state this is a method of supporting the imminent failure of liverpool (which I think is a red herring anyway)....would appear to involve a little clairvoyancy.
No, I will not be at the game tonight, Andy.
No, I will not be at the game tonight, Andy.
I’ve always said the league is a marathon not a sprint where you finish where you deserve over 38 games.
It is not fair to change the rules to spin a bit more money out of the game.
If we truly want to maintain football as a "live" specatator sport and the intention is to break up the sky 4 monopoly there are much better ways to achieve this.
For a start the one that grinds me is the astronomical wages paid to average players who dont know what to do with it, followed by agents who deal in lottery style fees.
It is all obscene and is already bringing the game down........ Portsmouth, Southampton , Cardiff, Crystal Palace.
We need to introduce regulation of players wages and agents fees ASAP.Then watch the change in the landscape.
It is not fair to change the rules to spin a bit more money out of the game.
If we truly want to maintain football as a "live" specatator sport and the intention is to break up the sky 4 monopoly there are much better ways to achieve this.
For a start the one that grinds me is the astronomical wages paid to average players who dont know what to do with it, followed by agents who deal in lottery style fees.
It is all obscene and is already bringing the game down........ Portsmouth, Southampton , Cardiff, Crystal Palace.
We need to introduce regulation of players wages and agents fees ASAP.Then watch the change in the landscape.
The funny thing is would The shite, Arsenal and co still budget for a Campions league place knowing the risk of not making it would become far greater?
Ciaran who is arsed about devaluing the champions league?
This competition is the reason for all our domestic cups being devalued, you can shove it up your arse if you ask me.
This competition is the reason for all our domestic cups being devalued, you can shove it up your arse if you ask me.
To introduce a change of such dimensions requires a reason so compelling as to be self explanatory.I give you:
a) Fairness
b)Financial
c)A pro-Liverpoolfc conspiracy
And the winner is?
a) Fairness
b)Financial
c)A pro-Liverpoolfc conspiracy
And the winner is?
Paul,
I’d rather not shove it up my arse..
It’s arguable that allowing more than one domestic team into the CL is where the problem you are referring to originates from...
So, in answer to your question - YOU care about the devaluing of the CL...Because it’s effectively responsible for what people erroneously term "the sky monopoly" ( it has very little to do with sky - all premiership teams get a reasonably fair amount of the sky TV money - which is seperate from the CL).
I’d rather not shove it up my arse..
It’s arguable that allowing more than one domestic team into the CL is where the problem you are referring to originates from...
So, in answer to your question - YOU care about the devaluing of the CL...Because it’s effectively responsible for what people erroneously term "the sky monopoly" ( it has very little to do with sky - all premiership teams get a reasonably fair amount of the sky TV money - which is seperate from the CL).
I think i am in the minority here in thinking it shouldn’t happen.
1) There is no capacity in the calander for any more games. Certainly not in an international championship year.
2) UEFA won’t have it.
On a wider note, i feel there is a lot of Urban myth again being banded about. I do think the FA have the interests of the big four at heart generally, but i feel we take this Liverpool/FA conspiracy too far as mentioned above. If, and its a biggish If, Liverpool finish 4th this year next year and the year after they deserve to play in the CL. It is up to everyone else to pick up their games. If nobody can beat liverpool this year they will only have themselves to blame.
1) There is no capacity in the calander for any more games. Certainly not in an international championship year.
2) UEFA won’t have it.
On a wider note, i feel there is a lot of Urban myth again being banded about. I do think the FA have the interests of the big four at heart generally, but i feel we take this Liverpool/FA conspiracy too far as mentioned above. If, and its a biggish If, Liverpool finish 4th this year next year and the year after they deserve to play in the CL. It is up to everyone else to pick up their games. If nobody can beat liverpool this year they will only have themselves to blame.
Knowing us, we’ll finish fourth and then not qualify through the play offs. Fuckin certainty.
In my opinion the only automatic place should be the champions. Why not have 2nd to 7th all play off for the available CL and EL places.
Could not be any fairer than that although we may have a few objections.
In my opinion the only automatic place should be the champions. Why not have 2nd to 7th all play off for the available CL and EL places.
Could not be any fairer than that although we may have a few objections.
Why wouldn’t we want a playoff. if there had been one the past 5 years we would have had a shot at the Champions League every year. When it comes down to it though, it’s about money. A four team playoff would earn plenty of money.
Only one thing is certain. And that is changes in the game will happen. 3 points for a win, gasp. The offside rule, scratch head.
I’ve suggested that it should all be done on goal difference instead of points. This makes every minute of every game just as important. How different would the league look today based on goal difference, instead of trying to re-create mini cup finals.
I’ve suggested that it should all be done on goal difference instead of points. This makes every minute of every game just as important. How different would the league look today based on goal difference, instead of trying to re-create mini cup finals.
Play-offs between 4th to 7th placed teams mooted for entry to the Champions League.Moyes is 50/50 about it, the FSW is definately against.
Argument for the idea:
It gives clubs other than SKY 4 a chance to play in that lucrative competition.
Argument against the idea:
The FA Cup Final plus international games and finals of European games would not allow sufficient time for extra games.
Results of those PL games already played between 4th to 7th could be used to determine the CL place. That would produce an answer and solve the problem of extra games.
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1 Posted 15/02/2010 at 23:24:28
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David Moyes was quoted in the media giving his opinions. He says " I am for it in some ways, and against it in others", but I get the feeling that he's more inclined towards this proposal.
After reading his views, I can see his logic. The proposed revamp might offer teams like ours a slightly better opportunity to qualify for the better European competition compared to our chances now (or even in the next decade methinks!). But honestly, my first reaction to the headline and opening paragraph was "Dirty cheats! They're just trying to offer Liverpool another lifeline to get into the competition", seeing that this season they're facing another real possibility of not qualifying via the automatic top four places...