UEFA’s punishments show their fear

You see what I mean? You see why the football authorities can’t be allowed to run the sport on their own anymore? As you are well aware, just a few weeks ago football faced an existential crisis thanks to the ugly, sporting abomination that was the European Super League. Yet UEFA, the organisation whose reason for being was most threatened by this breakaway, has proved clueless and toothless when it comes to dealing with a blatant rebellion. They had many options open to them by way of punishing the clubs involved but suspension from their competitions for a decent period of time was the one that would have sent the clearest message. Instead, they have put together a package of punishments – specifically for those nine clubs that have since backed out – that has left them looking scared and weak. Firstly, the clubs have agreed to sign a commitment not to be naughty again and, if they are, they will be fined €100 million each. Like that will stop them from joining a bazillion-euro ESL. Secondly, the nine have agreed to make a €15 million donation to support children and grassroots football across the continent. That’s €15 million between all nine of them, by the way, not each.