http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19685823
Scotland's top clubs are to discuss the possibility of being part of a new European regional league set-up.
Proposals are already being discussed by clubs on the Continent and it is believed their Scottish counterparts do not want to be left behind.
The idea will be floated at a reconstruction strategy meeting involving Scotland's three main governing bodies next week.
It is among a number of ideas being considered to improve the game.
European football's governing body, Uefa, is believed to be becoming increasingly concerned by the polarisation across the game between the top clubs and top leagues and is open to change.
The idea of regional leagues involving neighbouring countries and so-called Supra National Cup Tournaments has already been discussed at a recent European Club Association meeting in Switzerland.
Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts and Rangers are all part of the association and will be part of the domestic discussions next week along with the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League.
BBC Scotland has learned that the European idea will be discussed - along with reconstruction, cash distribution and a pyramid system - when all parties meet next week.
After a summer of discontent in Scottish football, there is a feeling that radical change is needed to fix the game and move it forward.
Euro League? Goodbye Scotland?
posted on 22/9/12
"comment by jukeboxjunkie - Armero's divet (U10162)
posted 24 seconds ago
Its a non starter.
Fans can barely afford to travel round the country nevermind abroad. Then there's the issue of players having to fly, which will take its toll.
If we want games infront of stadiums with no away fans then maybe, but we should sort the game out domestically first and foremost"
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Commercially it cant work though. Big clubs like the Old Firm will never be able to compete with the clubs from money rich leagues.
This is true all over Europe.
Players from big countries probably fly even now.
Travelling fans will no doubt suffer, but if we get a better league as a result then it might be a price worth paying.
posted on 22/9/12
Doubt the product on offer will be upto much.
Teams won't have too much time to prepare and train for games if they're having to fly out on a Friday, play Saturday and then return on a Sunday/Saturday night. Then they might have CL games/national cup games midweek.
Just seems implausible.
posted on 22/9/12
"comment by jukeboxjunkie - Armero's divet (U10162)
posted 23 seconds ago
Doubt the product on offer will be upto much.
Teams won't have too much time to prepare and train for games if they're having to fly out on a Friday, play Saturday and then return on a Sunday/Saturday night. Then they might have CL games/national cup games midweek.
Just seems implausible."
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It doesnt take that much extra time.
Driving from Stranraer to Peterhead is probably worse than flying to Russia!
Even in the EPL, driving from Southampton to Newcastle must be worse than flying from Glasgow to Belgium, Norway, Holland, Portugal etc.
posted on 22/9/12
Is it just me, or does that McLaughlin have a face you could continuously punch?
posted on 22/9/12
They probably fly from Southampton to Newcastle.
posted on 22/9/12
" Doubt the product on offer will be upto much.
Teams won't have too much time to prepare and train for games if they're having to fly out on a Friday, play Saturday and then return on a Sunday/Saturday night. Then they might have CL games/national cup games midweek.
Just seems implausible."
There would only be games in this league.
There wouldn't be any Uefa related football, as they are dead set against any idea of these types of set ups, so would probably not recognize the league. Also would imagine FA membership would have to be relinquished so no national cup games.
posted on 22/9/12
I want the EPL. But they are shatbags
posted on 22/9/12
I'd be very very surprised if anything comes of this
posted on 22/9/12
comment by jukeboxjunkie - Armero's divet (U10162)
posted 1 hour, 24 minutes ago
They probably fly from Southampton to Newcastle.
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Well if thats the case, I dont see how there is that big a problem.
An extra 30 mins on a plane is hardly the end of the world.
posted on 22/9/12
I don't want to leave the SPL, that's a personal opinion.
But if the rest of Europe decide to move the goalposts, I don't want Celtic to get left behind.
I don't know if you seen my article on Spanish Football yesterday Mitre, but there's a Spanish economist recommending that perhaps Benfica and Porto be invited to La Liga and call it an "Iberian League" or whatever.
Nothing exists as of yet, but it'll be entering the minds of many chairmen who know that it may provide them with more revenue.