Footy Fans

EVERTON are calling for help in trying to close the “dangerous” gap between Champions League and UEFA Cup prize money.

Figures released this week showed the Premier League’s top four earned £102million between them in European competition last season – while Everton’s UEFA Cup run to the last 16 yielded just £400,000.

Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk were the lowest Champions League earners and finished bottom of their group – but still took 14 times more money than Everton.

Chief executive Keith Wyness said: “The figures released this week are a clear demonstration of why there needs to be a more balanced distribution of the European prize money available each season.

“If the current situation continues then clubs simply will not be able to compete and the gaps in domestic leagues across Europe will become larger and larger.

“That outcome would not only be dangerous but also be a disservice

to supporters who follow their clubs home and abroad. At Everton our aim is to bridge the gap in the Premier League.

“We certainly believe we are moving in the right direction following the progress the team has made over the last few seasons and are now calling on the football authorities in Europe to aid us in our bid.”

The existing structure will remain in place until 2012 and UEFA director of communication William Gaillard said: “We are confident that over the next three years the gap between the Champions League and the UEFA Cup will narrow.

“We are well aware there are some imbalances in the revenue distribution which have a negative effect in national leagues by widening the gap between the rich and not so rich.

“We will talk to the clubs and see how they feel, and try to convince them that in the longer run it is not in their interest if, because of the way money is distributed, national leagues become too imbalanced.”

Champions League winners Manchester United netted £33.9million while beaten finalists Chelsea took £28.7m. Liverpool collected £21.1m while Arsenal pocketed £18.3m.


I'm sorry but this is an absolute joke how can you give a team 500k for competing in so many games. I can't believe how much the top 4 are being bummed.

And while europe's elite are continuing to bring in stupid amounts of revenue they will always remain the elite!!!

Back to my argument about a european super league, piss off we don't want you anymore

Zeno wrote:And while europe's elite are continuing to bring in stupid amounts of revenue they will always remain the elite!!!

Back to my argument about a european super league, piss off we don't want you anymore

Yes, because our success is our own fault. We should try and lose.

We'd enjoy it less, but hey, share the wealth.

We don't want a super league and it would be a fucking joke.

-HH- wrote:We don't want a super league and it would be a fucking joke.

But people who don't follow the chosen few around europe probably do, we want our competitive league back!!!

I'm not blaming you for creating this monster, I know it's the authorities that run the game who have created this situation. So let UEFA and the FA have their own way, whisk you off to Real and Milan away, etc and we can have our football league back.

Bring back the champions league as a competition with champions only. Uefa cup as second place. The cup winners cup for the cup winners. It all worked so well in the past but now football has spiralled out of control. Teams like Liverpool live from the fact they can finish 4th to get Champions league and everything they get that little bit closer to losing 4th place they get closer to running themselves into alot of debt.

I mean last year they were signing Torres this year its Keane on the wishlist.

Agree Seedy, but you can leave off with the 'clubs like Liverpool jibe'.

Clubs like Liverpool are the most successful clubs in history and we didn't buy that unlike some other teams.

We're currently in debt because of some morons in charge of our club, and in what way are we closer to losing 4th place. 3 years ago you finished 2 points above us, every year since we've finished about 10 points ahead of our nearest challengers. If you nearly took 4th we nearly won the league.

I seen a chart of the most spending club between 2000 and 2007 the other day and Liverpool were the second highest spending team under Chelsea and thats not including last years massive spending spree. so to say that is a load of bull.

Stop talking as if you team is superior over the rest of us because things have changed since you can just kick the ball back the keeper once your 1-0 up. Since that rule has changed Liverpool have never won a league.

SeedyEFC wrote:I seen a chart of the most spending club between 2000 and 2007 the other day and Liverpool were the second highest spending team under Chelsea and thats not including last years massive spending spree. so to say that is a load of bull.

Stop talking as if you team is superior over the rest of us because things have changed since you can just kick the ball back the keeper once your 1-0 up. Since that rule has changed Liverpool have never won a league.

OMG you're right! But neither have Everton

Seedy, I think Mark is saying Liverpool are 'old money'. We are in the big 4 courtesy of our inheritence i.e. we have earned it on the football pitch

This is of course the opposite of the arrogant nouveau riche such as Chelski who simply had millions of pounds pumped into them.

A bit like when a farmer injects a bull with a steroid!

SeedyEFC wrote:I seen a chart of the most spending club between 2000 and 2007 the other day and Liverpool were the second highest spending team under Chelsea and thats not including last years massive spending spree. so to say that is a load of bull.

To be honest, it's a load of bull.

1) We have the 4th highest wage bill in the league, and wages account for much bigger sums than transfer fees.

2) Most of these lists include press figures rather than actual costs. Man U have outspent us in that period by some distance in net terms.

Oh well I've lost the heart to even be bothered to give a proper reply to it because lets face it your mates will back you up on here and if I reply with something you and your mates won't like the topic will be blocked or something.

Lost the will to be arsed in all honesty.

Bye Bye chicken pie.

SeedyEFC wrote:Oh well I've lost the heart to even be bothered to give a proper reply to it because lets face it your mates will back you up on here and if I reply with something you and your mates won't like the topic will be blocked or something.

Lost the will to be arsed in all honesty.

Bye Bye chicken pie.

I resent that Seedy. This is a free and open forum. When have you ever been blocked or stopped from saying your piece?

You're a bitter blue, even you would admit that, so of course I'm always going to disagree with you over certain things.

Now get down off your high horse, support your team and voice your opinions. The fact that you can do that means we have a healthy, if small, forum.

Rather than just give up why not invite one or two of your mates from the 'People's Club' forum eh?

Ed wrote:I resent that Seedy. This is a free and open forum. When have you ever been blocked or stopped from saying your piece?

In fairness to Seedy, I locked this yesterday and explained why!

The post was deleted and the topic reopened after Seedy asked it to be