The ESL has been created as a rival to the UEFA Champions League, which is currently European club football's most important competition. But the move has sparked anger with critics saying it is purely motivated by greed and making more money for the world's biggest clubs. Joining the Champions League means millions of dollars of additional revenue for a team, through TV rights and increased exposure. However, one bad year on the pitch — no matter how popular a club is — can get a club bounced from the league, and the lost revenue could spell several years of financial ruin. The ESL is being condemned as money-grabbing, since it would mostly be a “closed shop” without the jeopardy of relegation for founding clubs. Many consider it against the spirit of football's long history, particularly with lower-league outfits struggling from the pandemic.

#NOTOEUROPEANSUPERLEAGUE!!!