Caligula wrote:
Klaus, I don't think breakaway is going to happen, but I can see it being used by the clubs to limit any unfavorable effects of financial fairplay. Either get UEFA to look the other way or loosen some of the requirements. Men like Abramovich, Berlusconi and Mansour do not need financial controls, while Barca and Real Madrid do not have balance sheets.
All of the top clubs are supporting the financial fair play initiative the way it's structured though, so that seems unlikely.
Caligula wrote:I'm not sure what you mean about indirect death of international football?
I mean that it will still exist, but since the clubs no longer have any obligation to release their important players they might not do it. Qualifiers in the middle of the season will be out of the question, for instance. As will the ACN. Summer tournaments and national teams will lose a lot of their importance.
Caligula wrote:It would be very sad to see international football further diminished. I think the world cup and continental tournaments are very important. I'm from a country that's going to the African Nations Cup for the first time, and my entire country is thrilled. It's wonderful to be at a World Cup or similar game and see folks in their national colors, coming together to support their teams.
You're effectively describing the same thing that happens when any two team meet, only difference being that there's a bigger emphasis on nationality. There's a certain charm to it, but I'd trade it in an instant if it meant that club football would improve which I'm almost certain it will. I can't say I really care for international football. I'd rather watch a reserve game between Arsenal and Hull than a World Cup game where Sweden are involved.
