European Premier League: The ‘other’ clubs must be creative to survive the inevitable

Will FIFA listen to the fans protests, or is this an of greed we have come to expect?

How exactly will this new league affect the Clubs outside of the competition?

Have the fans lost all of their influence?

As fans react to the FIFA-supported European Premier League’s proposal, reported at a value of £4.6b, there are many questions concerning the future of football.

One thing that is for certain however, is the added pressure for football communities and for the lower tiers of the football pyramid. Having to survive an ongoing pandemic is one huge challenge. Having to then come to terms with the idea elite clubs will continue suffocating them financially just may be their breaking point.

“Decisive action is now needed to protect the game we love. We have already been promised by government a fan-led review of the governance and regulation of football. That process needs to start as a matter of urgency before the super-rich custodians of the biggest clubs can do any more damage.” Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Association, looks for urgent action to enforce system change.

In this difficult time, clubs must look at how they can draw opportunities to survive and succeed through the inevitable. Exactly like any other organisations. Should the ‘big’ clubs in Europe detach themselves into a super league, this can open revenue opportunities for the others. New broadcasting deals, new sponsorship prospects and new supporters from those boycotting the ‘big bully’ clubs. But they have to be creative.

Brentford F.C. are a great example of being innovative. Understanding that they cannot financially compete against other clubs in their division, let alone those in the English Premier League, they have adopted a unique model to win both on and off the field. Using detailed football analytics to benefit their recruitment has financially supported their organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic thus far, and can also help withstand the economic threats of a super league.

Clearly if the government does not look at the structure and regulation of English football soon, there will be more clubs like Bury F.C. and Wigan Athletic F.C. going into administration, and possibly worse. Although the Latics look set to be out of administration by the end of the month with foreign investment, there are undoubtedly no assurances for the others who are looming.

And yes, football will be down the pecking order on the government’s priorities at the moment. Understandably so. But do not blame supporters when they stop caring about the game. And do not be surprised when they no longer spend large amounts of money on the various broadcasting subscriptions, the merchandise and the match tickets for a sport they once loved. Know that this could be, and can still be, prevented.

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