LONDON: Arsene Wenger predicts a European super league will be introduced over the next few years, leading to major changes for the Premier League.
The outgoing Arsenal boss believes Europe’s elite clubs will fight for the introduction of a continental, weekend league to challenge the success of the English top flight.
Wenger, 68, will leave the Emirates Stadium after a reign lasting almost 22 years when the season ends away to Huddersfield on Sunday.
But the Frenchman is predicting a huge overhaul of football in the near future, with Premier League fixtures relegated to midweek slots.
“The next evolution? Maybe I will see you in a few years and you will certainly have a European league over the weekends,” he said.
“A domestic league will certainly play Tuesday/Wednesday. I think that is the next step we will see.”
Wenger said the move was “inevitable” because the big clubs would want a bigger slice of the money that comes into football and would be less willing to share it with their smaller rivals.
The idea of a European league has been mooted for years and could be driven by dwindling Champions League attendances and the fact more revenue is demanded for the Premier League television rights than UEFA’s elite club competition.
“It will be soon because it is a way for other clubs to fight against the Premier League,” Wenger said.
The Arsenal boss predicted matches would take place at weekends to boost crowds.
“Look at the audiences of the Champions League,” he said. “There’s a contrast there because if you look at the audiences of the Champions League it is not fantastic.
“But if you have Real Madrid v Barcelona, or Real Madrid v Arsenal, or Manchester United v Bayern Munich every week the audiences will be good.”
Such a dramatic shift would mean major changes to the Premier League, said Wenger.
“If you want to make it more attractive you have to go down to 16 (teams),” he said. “And make a real competition of it. But it will be smaller if it goes to Europe.”
Outgoing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger predicts European Super League
Outgoing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger predicts European Super League
- 'You will certainly have a European league over the weekends'
- Wenger feels move will be money motivated
Umar Zaib leads Pakistan U19 into tri-series final with commanding win over Afghanistan
- Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from top order
- Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 (U19) confirmed their place in the final of the tri-series in Zimbabwe with a commanding 133-run win over Afghanistan U19 at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Friday.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from the top order. Sameer Minhas top-scored with a fluent 56, while Usman Khan (43, 59b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Ali Hassan Baloch (39, 68b, 1x4, 1x6) laid a strong foundation for the side.
In turn, Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong.
“Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with a match-winning spell, clinching five wickets for 31 runs, including early breakthroughs and key middle-order dismissals,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“He was adjudged player of the match. Support came from Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar – both taking two wickets each.”
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had edged Afghanistan U19 by one wicket, while their league match against Zimbabwe U19 was washed out after the first innings due to rain.
Pakistan U19 will now face hosts Zimbabwe U19 on Sunday in their final league fixture before meeting the same opponents again in the final on Jan. 6.
SCORES IN BRIEF
Pakistan 238-9, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 56, Usman Khan 43, Ali Hassan Baloch 39; Salam Khan 2-48, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-50)
Afghanistan 105 all out, 30.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 29; Umar Zaib 5-31, Ahmed Hussain 2-2, Momin Qamar 2-26)
