It seems strange to be constantly trying to decide between the EPL thread and the Champions' League thread, so we may as well have a thread for off-season talk and discussion.
To start it off:
What is going to happen with Monaco?
Right now a Russian Billionaire has purchased 66% of the team and wants to build them into an immediate contender. Anyone seen this story before?
The issues arising are that the team was already being subsidized by the principality and will continue to do so. Further, Monaco is a tax haven so the team is effectively tax exempt so players are getting close to 100% of their actual weekly wages, a competitive advantage no other team can match without grossly overpaying their players.
So, they've just won Ligue2 and the issue has arisen about their being able to play in Ligue1. The French FA have instituted a ruling where any team that wants to play in Ligue1 must pay French taxes. Monaco have appealed this citing that this is in contravention of both French and EU law.
Not that Monaco themselves owe allegiance to either body.
So what happens? Do Monaco stay in Ligue2? They've just splashed over £100M on new players and dont seem like stopping.
The other issue is Monaco's stadium, apparently it's got a maximum capacity of around 20,000 but only regularly draws around 11,000. When questioned about FIFA Fair Play rules the Russian Billionaire apparently mentioned something about making each ticket cost about €10,000 and he'd just buy them himself. A strategy the Nashville Predators used a few years ago to qualify for NHL profit sharing, they didnt raise the prices, they just bought their own tickets.
As for some news:
Lewandowski:
Quote:
|
Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is hopeful of joining the club of his choice - widely believed to be Bayern Munich - but has refused to reveal their identity.
|
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/14...choice?cc=5901
Schurrle purchase in doubt over de Bruyne.
Quote:
Andre Schurrle's propose moved to Chelsea could be in jeopardy amid reports in Germany that he could remain at Bayer Leverkusen for another year.
Schurrle had looked certain to join Chelsea. According to German newspaper Die Welt, the failure to resolve the transfer saga involving Kevin de Bruyne, Schurrle, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund means a conclusion currently appears unlikely.
|
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/14...threat?cc=5901
Roberto Martinez new Everton manager and has promised the club a Champions' League place.
Quote:
|
New Everton manager Roberto Martinez has promised chairman Bill Kenwright that he will guide the club into the Champions League.
|
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/14...league?cc=5901