Super League and the Forgotten Manchester City World Championship
The proposed Super League continues to dominate headlines in football journalism, notably overshadowing Manchester City’s Club World Cup victory.
The current health of the Super League is not discussed in terms of its actual progress, with the final list of participating clubs still uncertain. However, the media attention the concept has garnered in the wake of the recent European Court of Justice ruling is significant.
Italy appears to have high interest in the Super League. Despite unique perspectives, sports outlets across the country are united in covering the matter, showing a higher level of engagement compared to other regions, where today’s focus was elsewhere. Leading the opposition, La Gazzetta dello Sport emphasises the widespread resistance with its triumphant headline “Minilega”, pointing to a myriad of opposing viewpoints.
Sports publications in Italy show no dissenting views. Carlo Ancelotti’s change of opinion regarding the Super League is highlighted, recalling his comments while managing Everton. There are open talks of a “double game” being played by clubs seemingly opposed, but potentially preparing to accept. Taking a stance, Corriere dello Sport uses Ancelotti’s position to criticise UEFA and other governing bodies for their current handling of football. Just like Jurgen Klopp, the publication doesn’t seem enthused about the Super League, but views it as a wake-up call for those in charge. Tuttosport, on other hand, warns Juventus that the Super League is similar to Frosinone, implying uncertainty around its future.
However, Gazzetta and Corriere, among others, seemingly gloss over Manchester City’s Club World Cup win. The victory has received prominent coverage globally, not just in England. This suggests a somewhat narrow view, as football becomes increasingly international, and may warrant further discussion in the face of such significant international competitions.
As the dust stays unsettled, the stakeholders may need to sit around the negotiation table, suggested in an interview with Luigi Abete, to find a suitable agreement. Meanwhile, the focus on Super League overshadows significant achievements like that of Manchester City. This further raises the question – is this the kind of football we truly want?