On September 14, Premier League Manchester United legend Gary Neville posted on social media, criticizing American investors for being a "obvious and realistic threat" to English football.
This remark is intended to respond to the suggestion of the Burleigh Consortium to "introduce the American sports model, such as the All-Star Game to the Premier League." Burlei consortium acquired Chelsea club from Russian oligarch Abramovich this summer, but its business philosophy has caused controversy in English football.
13, Chelsea boss Todd Burley proposed in an interview that the Premier League should follow the example of the United States to hold the All-Star Game to increase profits.
Burley said, "Everyone is discussing why the English football pyramid cannot attract more funds. Major League Baseball The All-Star Game held this year made $200 million in a day. I hope the Premier League can think carefully and learn from the operating model of American sports games."
He gave an example that the Premier League can hold the "North and South All-Star Game" and let the last four teams determine the relegation quota through the play-offs. "Everyone in the league wants to make more."
Neville, who has always had no good impression of American investors, couldn't sit still about Burley's remarks. On the 14th, he criticized it on social media and called on regulatory authorities to intervene.
"The intervention of American capital is an obvious and realistic threat to the English football pyramid structure . Their business philosophy is different and they do not understand English football. Moreover, does not get what they want, and they will never stop ".
Neville is not the only footballer who has publicly opposed Burleigh. Previously, Liverpool coach Klopp also mocked Burleigh's suggestion at a press conference, saying that the Premier League team's schedule this season is saturated enough.
"All-Star Game? He can't wait. Maybe he can find a suitable time to bring the American fancy basketball team too? He may have forgotten that in the United States, athletes have four months off, so they're happy to be able to do some activities during this period, but this is completely different in football."
Due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II of , the Premier League announced that all matches were postponed last week. With the upcoming World Cup offseason, the schedule for the second half of the Premier League will be particularly crowded.
also expressed opposition to Arsenal legend, French star Henry and Liverpool legend Carragher. "I understand the operating mode of the United States, but I don't like it because here is European football , and his suggestions will not work at all," Henry said.
, while Carragher believes that Burleigh talks about a league he doesn't understand is "very arrogant" and that "he hasn't even proven himself to be the right boss for Chelsea."
Carragher covers his face and expresses helplessness
At the same time, foreign netizens also held heated discussions on social media.
Many netizens are not interested in the All-Star Game and believe that the current schedule is already dense enough, and players will play in the league, League Cup , FA Cup and European competition. "No one wants to risk injury and play a meaningless All-Star game."
. Some people believe that the reaction in English football has been a bit too extreme. "Berley's All-Star Game recommendations are indeed unreconciled, but some responses are shameful. This is just an idea. Everyone can have it. English football seems a bit stingy."
Some netizens compared Manchester United investor Glazer family , saying that Burley is at least considering gaining benefits for the English football pyramid, "rather than seeking benefits for themselves like the Glazer family."
After the Burleigh consortium headed by American businessman Todd Burleigh entered Chelsea, there have been controversy. They just fired the famous German coach Tuheer last week due to poor record and different ideas.
Although nearly £300 million spent this summer to "renew" the Blues, the team's performance at the beginning of the season was not satisfactory, ranking sixth with 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the league.
. With the Blues losing to Croatia team Dynamo Zagreb , the gap between the team's senior management and former coach Tuchel became increasingly obvious, which eventually led to the two sides parting ways.
Tuhell coached Chelsea in January 2021 and led the team to win the Champions League championship this season. His coaching style is deeply loved by Blues fans. Because of this, Burley's operation to fire Tuchel was not widely recognized.
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