Porrini: Football is not the NBA, it would never work
Former Rangers defender Sergio Porrini has spoken out against the European Super League plot that threatens to cost Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid their Champions League places next season.
The heavyweight trio are to be referred to UEFA disciplinary bodies for sanctions for refusing to join the other nine of the rebel 12 in renouncing the breakaway and committing to the existing club competitions.
The latter group’s act of contrition has cleared the way for them to be involved as usual in 2021-22, though they will have to give 5% of their UEFA revenue for the campaign by way of atonement.
The penalty for the three hold-outs could be far more severe.
Porrini played for Juventus for four years and won the Champions League with them in 1996, joining Rangers the following year.
Yet, while sympathising with the financial problems the coronavirus have brought to some of the very biggest names, he believes their plan for to have a mostly closed tournament was doomed from its inception.
“The Super League was a twist that I didn’t expect,” said Porrini.
“It had been talked about for a long time, but everyone believed it was just an idea.
“Instead, in the middle of the night they made the communiques and a few hours later everything was ready.
“From the beginning I thought they would not be able to do it.
“Football is not basketball, it cannot be compared with the NBA.
“Moreover, the United States is a nation and within them they do what they want.
“In Europe every nation has its own laws, every league has its own rules.
“And in each country football belongs to the people, to the children.
“It is absurd to think of an official tournament only available to those with a lot of money.
“The beauty of football is that a small team can dream of beating a big one.
“If we take this dream away from children, but also from big fans and players, football is over.
“But I would say this attempt to join has turned the spotlight on the great economic problem that football is experiencing.
“It was already in crisis before, now after the pandemic the situation has worsened considerably.
“Those in charge must intervene as soon as possible to heal the world of football that we all love.