Wednesday's soccer news starts with group F at Euro 2020. Joachim Low's last tournament as Germany coach means navigating one of the toughest groups possible in world soccer right now. There, he'll get an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that his ideas still resonate at the highest level. Germany is as close to an all-star team as exists in Europe right now, starting in goal with Manuel . . .
The Super League still at issue in Europe
Thursday's soccer news starts with the rebellious three from The Super League continuing in their refusal to give UEFA what it wants. That would seem to be apologizing like the other nine members of the breakaway. Instead, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus released a joint statement calling out UEFA's intention to sanction them while the three clubs move forward with their court . . .
Figuring out the Europa Conference League
Wednesday's soccer news starts with the Europa Conference League, UEFA's return to three European competitions. The Europa Conference League slots in beneath the Europa League to give opportunities to clubs representing leagues not likely to advance to the group stage of the Champions League. If you though that's what the Europa League was for, a merger of the old UEFA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup, . . .
What did we learn from the 2020-21 European soccer season?
By J Hutcherson (May 25, 2021) US Soccer Players - There's a difference between what we learned and what we think we learned from European soccer during the 2020-21 season. The big picture takeaway is that the game survived without the event revenue from tickets, concessions, and merchandise. The quicker takeaway is that a dozen of Europe's biggest clubs decided that they should be in control of . . .
The push for change in English soccer after The Super League
The soccer news starts with English soccer pundits calling for government regulation in the aftermath of The Super League attempt at a breakaway competition. Gary Neville posted an open letter to Medium on behalf of a group of television pundits and journalists that is already gaining wide support in England. It asks for "Government legislation to block any Premier League clubs attempting to . . .
Infantino asks about salary caps
By J Hutcherson (May 11, 2021) US Soccer Players - If you're looking for the European equivalent of talking about promotion and relegation as an answer to American soccer's problems, it might be salary caps. Except in Europe, the people most likely doing that talking are already in positions of power. For example, FIFA president Gianni Infantino. In an interview with AS circulated across other . . .
Will The Super League collapse change European soccer?
By J Hutcherson (Apr 27, 2021) US Soccer Players - It's hard to believe that something that seemed crucial just a week ago is now not much more than a punchline. Imagine the business school instructor trying to use The Super League as a case study a few years from now. "So after an initial leak during Sunday's games, the whole thing was over in 48 hours. Somehow, it involved governments, fans, and . . .
The quick demise of The Super League
Wednesday's soccer news starts with The Super League falling apart two days after the initial announcement. Facing mounting pressure from soccer's bureaocracy and fans, the Premier League clubs were the first to withdraw. All six released statements on Tuesday night, confirming that they were no longer willing to go ahead with an alternative Champions League. Media reports had Barcelona, Atletico . . .
The Super League takes over the converation in Europe
Monday's soccer news starts with a group of Europe's elite clubs pressing ahead with their own Champions League alternative. A day before UEFA met over a Champions League revamp, the news leaked of a breakaway midweek competition. It wasn't a complete breakaway, but even the rumors were enough to send UEFA and the domestic leagues on the offensive. UEFA made it clear that they wouldn't tolerate . . .
Champions League changes wait a month
Wednesday's soccer news starts with the difference between a delay and a reevaluation. UEFA formally postponed a decision on the future of the Champions League until next month. European soccer's governing body originally set today to vote on changes to their marquee club tournament in advance of the 2024-25 season. Reports have UEFA pushing for the Swiss system that would dramatically increase . . .
