Scottish football is in dire financial straits, but similar problems can be found in other smaller European countries, as is discussed in a book shortly to be published by Manchester University Press on European football and edited by myself, Borja Garcia and Arne Niemann.
Scottish football is in dire financial straits, but similar problems can be found in other smaller European countries, as is discussed in a book shortly to be published by Manchester University Press on European football and edited by myself, Borja Garcia and Arne Niemann.
The Atlantic League is an idea that is a decade old, originally proposed by PSV Eindhoven. It would bring together the top clubs from Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scandinavia – and the Old Firm from Scotland. They would secede from their national leagues but the bottom team would be relegated to the relevant national league. The reserve teams of Celtic and Rangers could play in the Scottish League.
It seems that the idea is being actively discussed by Uefa, although there is concern about the impact on national leagues. Of course, there would be cost and inconvenience arising from the travel involved for both clubs and fans.
It has been suggested that some Premier League clubs below the top ones might find it an attractive idea.