20 Jul 2017 08:54:39
Hi guys have a question for everyone.
With the amount of money that is currently in the English game, and the quite ridiculous sums of money being spent on players at the moment, would it be conceivable that their is a budget restriction in place? So for example I think in the NFL all the franchises have the same amount of money to spend in the draft? Now I understand that this probably could never ever happen. Would just like to know everyone's views on it (eds included)?
It could maybe help the league become more competitive, but also stop the inflation off the market.
Interested to hear your thoughts guys,
Caolán.

1.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 16:51:01
I suspect if the FA tried to instigate something like this then it would be the kick starting moment for a European super league which many leagues around Europe are trying desperately to avoid happening.

2.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 16:55:37
There will have to be a breakaway european super league soon in my opinion.

With the reduction in ffp restrictions and the equitable way in which the premier leagues tv revenue is distributed, the prem is becoming too competitive for the big clubs. The spanish big two, bayern and the italian giants will also struggle to keep up if the prem keeps growing so they will have the incentive to join.

Clubs could then become franchises and we could have a draft system like they have in the big american sports.

3.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 17:26:30
"The spanish big two, bayern and the italian giants will also struggle to keep up if the prem keeps growing so they will have the incentive to join. "

So the clubs that absolutely dominate European football are going to struggle to keep up with the English clubs?

This is obviously why Barcelona are being so stingy paying Messi £72k a day, eh?

4.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 17:31:43
Really interesting point Caolan. Unfortunately I agree that this would prob lead to a super league, which I think would be terrible for the sport.

The other factor in NFL that is interesting is that the team that performs the worst in the previous season gets first pick in the draft. 2nd worst gets 2nd pick etc. While this would be impossible to implement given the way our youth systems works (and for many other reasons), it does make American football far more interesting as teams that perform poorly for a couple of years can bounce back and win the Super Bowl shortly after. This means that it is less likely that one or two teams can dominate a league for a long time. Or if they do, it's because of the strategic genius of the general manager (like the Patriots recently) or the genius of a few key players (like Aaron Rodgers for the Packers) .

There are definitely some lessons in American football (like the wage cap for teams) that could be learned by our governing bodies.

Although obviously with only a limited number of teams all in one country, implementing tough rules and regulations is so much easier. The coordination problems for us are close to insurmountable.

5.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 18:07:55
Monkey balls with barcelona the eds have pointed out that they would have to sell one of MSN to fund another big transfer, also looks like neymar will be going Psg.

Im not saying they are struggling at the moment to a great extent, but the spanish league does not match the revenue streams of the prem as a whole and that gap has widened with the latest tv deal, so the big clubs like real, Barcelona etc who could make more money in a super league are inclined to explore those avenues.

6.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 20:49:00
OK, sorry DSG. Reading struggling and the best teams in the world, in the same sentence, just didn't sit right. But yeah I guess I understand you're point. Although I don't see the divide happening quite how you suggest.

7.) 20 Jul 2017
20 Jul 2017 22:56:32
There is no way to gradually work towards the system used in the American pro sports leagues. In essence, American sports are socialist and international football is capitalist. Granted, fair play rules were introduced by FIFA (or UEFA) but I don't see how you could ever get to a real salary cap.

Furthermore, the entire player acquisition process is completely different. Instead of trading players (usually without their approval) and having players run out their contracts and become free agents (like Bosman), players are bought and sold, and only with their approval.

It makes no sense for players, as the selling clubs and the agents involved rake in a lot of money that could otherwise be made by the player in salary (American sports agents make a % of what their clients earn, but they don't make money on trades and such).

It's an interesting topic, and there are advantages/ benefits on both sides, but I just don't see that much movement towards the American style, or its salary cap.