REBEL CLUBS COUNT COST OF ESL PLOT

THE threat of a European Super League has still not gone away.

But English clubs are paying a heavy price for their initial attempts to breakaway – one that could run into tens of millions of pounds.

That is the view of Tim Crow, a sponsorship consultant to a number of high-profile companies involved in current deals with the rebel clubs.

He says that the bungled project – still wanted by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (above) – seriously damaged relationships that had been built up over a lengthy period.

“There is definitely residual scar tissue there,” he said. “The issue was, you had sponsors who were paying, in most cases, very large amounts of money who felt as though they should at least have been advised or given a heads-up that this was coming.

“That was clearly hugely damaging.

“I suspect that it will be a factor in some renewal thoughts among sponsors.”

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus still believe the idea should be pursued.

“They’re clearly not backing down,” said

Crow.

“That means it still is a big issue in the minds of sponsors when it comes to contracts.”