Duchene2MacKinnon
In the hands of Genius
- Aug 8, 2006
- 45,300
- 9,465
I think it could be great; I hope they set up the structure so there's some windfall to the clubs who don't make the first division cut immediately. I don't think they have to aim below France/Italy or maybe even Germany from a quality standpoint...the infrastructure is there to have a very strong league, though the population and appeal might not be high enough to challenge them in terms of marketing.
I was surprised when I saw the article today. Couple of months ago it seemed like everyone in Holland was laughing at the idea of having a BeNe League.
I think we're still some ways away from actually forming one league, and I also still think there are a lot of cons against the idea which will have to further examined.
The infrastructure is there? Yeah, not in Belgium it's not our stadiums are old and wore down, Gent are the only team who are currently playing in a new, modern stadium. My team, Club Brugge, have been trying to get a new stadium built for 15 years now (there finally seems to be a set date which could be 2023 or 2024 - let's hope and pray it happens) but Belgium are literally the worst country in Europa to get something done. Most of our population are stuck in the middle ages and don't want any change, let alone brand new football stadiums in their neighbourhood. With every plan to built something (not just stadiums) within a couple of days there are a dozen protest groups who delay everything endlessly and eventually get these plans cancelled. Anderlecht needs a new stadium, so does Standard, so does Charleroi, etc. Our infrastructure is a joke compared to Holland's.
I also don't think we would automatically rival France or Germany if we merge. It would need some time, and some brilliant marketing, because as you say, population won't be high enough even with both countries combined we're not even close to France/Germany.. hell, not even Ukraine, Turkey or Poland.
I don't see how. Or do you mean fewer? Because yeah I think they'd have fewer combined European spots, but should have a higher quality of team playing in those spots.In theory wouldn't this lead to lesser teams from both countries playing in European competitions?
I don't think the idea is new persay. I know that Netherlands and Belgium specifically have other combined leagues, North America has done it for a long time, etc. It makes sense in some areas like this one that are low population and close in proximity.It would be a lot more fun to follow than Ligue 1 and probably better quality. And Serie A these days is a complete bore as well so it could be really interesting altough I don't like this new idea of countries getting together to have a domestic league...
I don't see how. Or do you mean fewer? Because yeah I think they'd have fewer combined European spots, but should have a higher quality of team playing in those spots.
That's what I meant. There would be some teams that will lose out on a CL spot that they normally would have gotten if the leagues were separate.
Yeah, there's been some talk of giving an expanded number of tickets for their league but they wouldn't have the same as they do combined now for sure.Well first of all, who knows if Dutch or Belgian clubs will even be allowed in the CL anymore at that time, after the big upcoming reformation in 2024
But yeah that's one of the many cons. For a lot of teams it will be that much harder to win something, because I fully expect teams like Ajax and Club Brugge to be the most dominant, and the UEFA will view the BeNe League is 1 country in terms of awarding European tournament tickets.
My guess is that if they're already struggling I don't see it getting much worse; bringing the two leagues together in a situation that could have a '1+1=3' situation in terms of marketability and competition could end up with a trickle down effect on the non top clubs. More money from external sources of revenue (TV, ads, etc.) as well as internal (buying from within the league, revenue sharing, etc.) plus a stronger financial stance in terms of how much they can afford to sell for to other leagues with a higher level of competition and inevitable higher wages should all work well. I think some teams will struggle with the change at first but it should, in theory, provide a better and more profitable base for everyone from the ground up overall (which will take time). I imagine if they're looking at doing something like this it's because they believe the potential benefits to be exponential rather than just adding whatever the two leagues have together.My one hesitancy would be the middle-bottom table clubs in both leagues. I'm not too privy on the Belgium and the Netherlands outside of the big teams and big prospects, but my guess is there could be some negative repercussions for the clubs that may already be struggling. How much money would the new second division be able to bring in without the bigger clubs coming to play them and vice-versa? Would the smaller clubs not go into financial turmoil?
But it never happened really in UEFA?I don't think the idea is new persay. I know that Netherlands and Belgium specifically have other combined leagues, North America has done it for a long time, etc. It makes sense in some areas like this one that are low population and close in proximity.
The benefits will be for the bigger teams only, they are the ones who want this and they know it would benefit them and hurt many smaller clubs.My guess is that if they're already struggling I don't see it getting much worse; bringing the two leagues together in a situation that could have a '1+1=3' situation in terms of marketability and competition could end up with a trickle down effect on the non top clubs. More money from external sources of revenue (TV, ads, etc.) as well as internal (buying from within the league, revenue sharing, etc.) plus a stronger financial stance in terms of how much they can afford to sell for to other leagues with a higher level of competition and inevitable higher wages should all work well. I think some teams will struggle with the change at first but it should, in theory, provide a better and more profitable base for everyone from the ground up overall (which will take time). I imagine if they're looking at doing something like this it's because they believe the potential benefits to be exponential rather than just adding whatever the two leagues have together.
Rangers won at Celtic in the league and are two points back with a game in hand
So if Anderlecht misses out it means next year there will be 8 teams in the playoffs...
Any talk to get rid of this joke format?