The new Champions League, England’s squad and dynamic pricing: Football Weekly
Sep 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Barry Glendenning, a seasoned sports journalist, joins Philippe Auclair, a knowledgeable football writer, and Nooruddean Choudry, a passionate commentator, to unravel the new Champions League format. They discuss its implications for player fatigue and match competitiveness. The conversation shifts to England's squad, spotlighting Angel Gomez and youth coaching's role in rejuvenation. They'll also dive into the controversial topic of dynamic pricing in football, examining its emotional effect on fans and the economic motivations behind it.
The new Champions League format introduces a single league table and increased match opportunities, raising concerns about fixture congestion and rivalries.
Dynamic pricing for tickets, while innovative, poses ethical questions about sports commodification and its impact on fan accessibility and community.
Lee Carsley's England squad selection reflects a potential new direction focusing on youth integration, with promising talents like Angel Gomez being recognized.
Deep dives
New Champions League Format
The new Swiss model for the Champions League introduces a single league table featuring 36 teams and eight matches per team, deviating from the traditional group stage format. Each team will compete against eight different opponents, with four home and four away games, expanding match opportunities significantly, but potentially leading to dead rubber scenarios. Critics express concerns about increased match volume, lack of clarity, and the potential dilution of rivalries as teams rarely face each other. Some believe this change aims to appease clubs advocating for a super league while generating more revenue.
Dynamic Pricing and Fan Experience
The implementation of dynamic pricing for tickets, pioneered by Valencia, raises ethical questions about the commodification of sports fandom. This practice sets base prices for tickets that can increase based on demand and stadium occupancy, leading to inequitable access for fans who may not afford inflated prices. This trend is seen as leveraging emotional investments fans have in their teams for profit, with critics arguing that it strips away the spirit of community and accessibility found in sports. Alternatives like offering free entry to increase attendance and engage fans more meaningfully present an opposing viewpoint.
Impact on Player Workload
Concerns are mounting regarding the burden of increased matches on players in the new Champions League format, especially for those representing national teams and participating in club fixtures. Some players could face a significant rise in game schedules, potentially reaching up to 70 matches in a season, which could lead to fatigue and injuries. The Professional Footballers' Association is reportedly preparing a response to address workload concerns, including discussions about potential strike actions. This growing worry reflects broader issues of player welfare amid the relentless fixture squeeze in modern football.
Announcement of England Squad
The announcement of Lee Carsley's first England squad stirred debate, particularly around the inclusion of lesser-known player Angel Gomez, whose arrival surprised some football fans. Gomez, who made a name in the French league after a challenging spell in England, signifies a shift towards nurturing young talent and integrating them into the national team framework. There's cautious optimism regarding Carsley’s approach, drawing parallels to successful youth developments seen in Spain. The squad selection reflects a potential new direction for England, focusing on revitalized and untested players.
Football Culture and Media Landscape
The landscape of football fandom and viewership is evolving, with a noted decline in interest towards the early stages of tournaments like the Champions League, especially among neutral fans. Viewers express little engagement until the knockout stages, exacerbated by the high cost of subscription services that restrict access. An emerging concern is the normalization of transfer movements to leagues like Saudi Arabia, as players face moral scrutiny while navigating lucrative deals. This reflects a broader trend of commercialization in sports, straining the connections between clubs, players, and their loyal fanbases.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair and Nooruddean Choudry to discuss the new Champions League format, Lee Carsley’s first England squad and plenty more. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode