The American Dream: ‘the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American. ‘
So when Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre declared that the Premier League’s current revenue system – where revenues are shared equally between the 20 clubs – is unfair to the bigger sides, instant comparisons were drawn to that old American ethos.
It was Dave Whelan, chairman of Wigan Athletic, who instantly jumped to the defence of the present system, whilst disregarding Ayre’s big idea. Whelan said: “It is absolutely scandalous. It would kill Wigan Athletic. It would kill Blackburn.”
Liverpool would need 13 other clubs’ support for any changes to be made. But it is understood that the rest of the Premier League top table: Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, are all against the controversial plan.
The league’s rights deal, which expires in 2013, is worth £1.4bn.
Whelan went on: “It is the ‘American Dream’, this. They are thinking ‘How can we get more money? “But you won’t get more money by killing the heart and soul of the Premier League and of football in England.”
Strong, and very prudent, words from Wigan’s owner. Ayre wants to adopt the Spanish model, a system that allows each club the freedom to negotiate their own rights package, depending on their global popularity. A system that has seen the rich get richer, and the rest fall into disrepute. Barcelona and Real are the perpetual 1-2 finishers over in Spain, with the distinction between 2nd and 3rd amassing to 22 points last year.
There have been some suggestions of the Premier League becoming a two-horse race, with the might of Manchester eclipsing the rest. But this notion has been disproved already this season. Both City and United have dropped points courtesy of Fulham and Stoke respectively this year. This is surely a testament to the strength present in English football.
Whelan has voiced the opinion of many, describing the detrimental affect the Reds’ plans would leave on English football.
Forget the ‘American Dream’, it could become more reminiscent of a nightmare if Liverpool’s wish is granted after 2013.
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