A report from The Athletic has revealed what the key men at West Ham United think of hugely controversial plans for a European Super League.
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West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been called to an emergency Premier League meeting this morning involving the 14 clubs not involved in the ESL breakaway plans.
It comes as West Ham enjoy what promises to be their best season for 35 years with Champions League qualification a genuine possibility.
West Ham and Leicester fairytales would be killed dead by ESL plans
It would be the kind of fairytale season that would simply cease to exist under the closed shop ESL proposals.
West Ham face one of the six clubs leading the breakaway when they take on London rivals Chelsea this weekend.
The game has been given a new perspective in light of the bombshell news.
Such is the strength of feeling against the ESL, there have been calls for West Ham to boycott the match against Chelsea ‘for the good of the game’ – read the full story here.
Fans of West Ham and from across the football pyramid – including those of the “big six” clubs involved – are up in arms over the plans.
Report lifts lid on what Moyes, Sullivan and Gold think of Super League plans ahead of emergency meeting
But what do the big decision makers at West Ham think of it ahead of today’s emergency Premier League meeting?
After the fans, Moyes, Sullivan and Gold are the most important people at West Ham.
And The Athletic claims none of the trio are happy after first hearing of the proposals on Saturday.
“West Ham are strongly against the idea of a European Super League,” The Athletic reports.
“The whole point of moving from their traditional Upton Park to the London Stadium five years ago was to generate income that would enable the club to deliver Champions League football for their supporters.
West Ham hierarchy first became aware of ESL plans on Saturday – report claims
“Now, when they are on the verge of doing so, these Super League proposals have thrown the existence of the Champions League in question.
“The club first became aware of the story on Saturday and an emergency board meeting between ‘the other 14’ clubs and the Premier League will take place this week. West Ham will put forward the argument that the Super League cannot go ahead.
“Last month, their manager David Moyes expressed his opposition to the creation of a European Super League when discussing the future of football at continental level.
“I am hoping it doesn’t sound like we are having European leagues and we are taking away from the domestic football,” said Moyes, “because I think it is really important we keep our domestic leagues very strong and don’t water them down in any way.”
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