Soccer fans don’t like Big Picture
The Football Supporters Association on Tuesday raised concerns about the radical proposals to make changes to the English football pyramid, saying the long- term challenges far outweigh the short- term financial benefits.
Project Big Picture, a series of proposals put together by the owners of Liverpool and Manchester United along with Rick Parry, the chair of the English Football League, has been likened to a power grab that has been met with opposition.
Apart from reducing the top flight to 18 teams, the plan would also have the league commit to providing 25 per cent of the league’s revenue to EFL clubs and a US$ 325.28- million COVID-19 rescue fund as a one-off payment.
“While Project Big Picture dangles an alleged ... ‘ rescue fund’ in front of clubs to cover lost revenues during the 2019-20 season, they might actually be a sugar- coated cyanide pill,” the FSA said in a statement.
“Apparently ‘ money will be advanced to the EFL from increased future revenues.’ Is there a guarantee the money will even materialize? The entire package is based on projected revenues which are, in turn, based on the current media deal.
“Under the proposals top- flight clubs retain eight games per season which they can sell directly via their own platforms, rather than broadcasting in the traditional manner.
“Would broadcasters pay more money for fewer games?”
The Premier League’s ‘ big six’ clubs would also have more power in decision- making and the FSA said a “small handful of billionaire owners” should not be allowed to dictate how English football should be run.
RONALDO INFECTED
Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for COVID-19 and left the Portugal national team.
Portugal confirmed Ronaldo is in isolation and not showing symptoms in a statement issued Tuesday.
Ronaldo’s test prompted immediate testing of the Portugal squad, and the team said all other results were negative.
Portugal is scheduled to host Sweden on Wednesday in a UEFA Nations League game.
Ronaldo, 35, plays for Juventus, which announced on Oct. 3 that two staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.
STÜTZLE NEEDS SURGERY
Ottawa Senators prospect Tim Stützle, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft, needs surgery on his right arm and will be sidelined up to two months.
According to a report from his German hockey team Adler Mannheim, the 18- year- old forward was injured during a training session on Monday and will have surgery on Wednesday.
Mannheim general manager Jan- Axel Alavaara told Postmedia that Stuetzle suffered a broken arm during a one-on-one drill.
“I don’t have any concerns about the future,” Alavaara said.
Stützle tallied 34 points in 41 games last season with Mannheim in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.