Opinion: No to the European Super League - It will kill football as we know it

THE ELITE CLUBS

There is little dispute that the supposed "protected" clubs in this league are all global brands.

But then are some clubs, based on history, tradition, success, or branding, being excluded?

Ajax has more Champions Leagues titles than Arsenal and Chelsea, yet despite its grand name is not a member by virtue of being in the Netherlands. And the Eredivisie, with all due respect to it, is not amongst the world's best leagues.

Ajax have too much history in the sport

What about Marseille? PSG is bigger in branding terms, but Marseille still stands as the first and only French club to win the European Cup.

It's perhaps wrong to say that the "permanent members" are arbitrary. On many metrics, they are the leading clubs in the world.

But it certainly is a case of the clubs with the biggest media reach, financial power, and social media presence, that are allegedly forming a cartel.

Hamburger SV have won the European Cup and is another example of a large club that are not involved

In economic terminology, this is essentially an oligopoly or is a classic cartel, in that specific bodies are cornering the market. This is naturally bad for all concerned, and it will only ensure some will prosper at the expense of others.