John Barnes says ‘I can’t see’ European Super League happening
Twelve of Europe’s leading football clubs announced they have agreed to create a new midweek competition dubbed the European Super League. The move has been heavily criticised by politicians, footballers, and fans – with many labelling the twelve clubs as greedy and warning that the move will devastate the game.
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Mr Barnes, a former Liverpool midfielder who won two league titles, told BBC Newsnight on Monday that he “can’t see this happening”.
He added: “I think a lot of people are getting their knickers in a twist because of all the narrative and the posturing that’s going around and we’re going to ban everybody and what’s going to happen to football.
“Football is such a wonderful phenomenon that football can never be stopped.
“It can adapt and it can change and it can evolve. But it can never be stopped.”
John Barnes has said he does not think the European Super League will go ahead (Image: BBC Newsnight )
Mr Barnes explained how he is sure “the right conclusion” will come in the end.
He continued: “Which will mean that nothing changes but maybe the big clubs get a little bit more because they feel they deserve more from UEFA.
“Nothing to do with the Premier League or FIFA.”
The UK Government has said it will do “whatever it takes” to make sure the breakaway European Super League does not go ahead.
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AC Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the new competition as founding clubs.
The twelve clubs will secure vast financial rewards for themselves during a time when takings have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Florentino Perez, chairman of the European Super League and President of Real Madrid, told Spanish media: "We're doing this to save football, which is in a critical moment.
"The important clubs in England, Italy, and Spain must find a solution to a very bad situation that football is going through.