The G-14 extends some curious invitations

By: Bob | October 31st, 2007

Imagine your excitement when you open up your mailbox and you find an invitation to a star-studded Hollywood party. You are a b-list actor yourself, but this invitation could change all that. This is your chance to show that you are worthy of the same respect and admiration as the guys and gals who have their names on top of the marquee. Such must be the feeling for some of the soccer clubs that have been invited to attend the upcoming meeting of the G-14.

The collection of Europe’s fattest fat clubs is looking to expand as they slowly try to further cement a world of haves and have-nots. What is interesting about all this is some of the names that have been invited to play in the rich kids’ games.

As expected the likes of Sevilla, Chelsea, Roma, Monaco, Werder Bremen, Benfica and Celtic are set to be part of the organisation.

However, a number of names from Eastern Europe, such as Red Star Belgrade, Steaua Bucharest, CSKA Moscow, Dinamo Kiev, Sparta Prague, Wisla Krakow and Levski Sofia will also take part in the conference.

Anderlecht, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos, Basle, Maccabi Haifa, Rosenborg, FC Copenhagen and Austria Vienna will also attend the meeting.

No knock against these clubs, many of which are the premier ones in their respective countries, but there aren’t too many people arguing that Maccabi Haifa or Basle are among the world’s biggest clubs. If this is another step towards an eventual European super league whose clubs abandon their domestic leagues, it is a curious one. Sure it might spread the geographic scope, but would it be the best possible collection of teams in Europe?

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Category: Europe, World Football

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Padginho

Youd think clubs like Newcastle, Napoli and Athletico Madrid would be better inclusions really
Magnusson

From all the eastern european countries, only Krakow andLevski Sofia make me kinda uncomfortable. The truth is all these other countries were heavyweights. Red Star won the CL in 91 against Marseille in bari.
I think a lot of these clubs would be held in higher regards if it were not for the Bossman jurisprudence. If countries were only allowed three foreigners (considering European Union citizens as foreigners as well) some of these clubs could have serious shots at European championships. Whereas the Premiership teams wouldn't stand a chance.
Blue Devil Brad

I think Jan's right. When the G-14 +4 said they were going to expand again, I got waaay caught up in all the breakaway richkid super-league stuff. That emotion was hard to describe - excited, nervous, confused, curious...
Looking at this list, I don't think that's the goal of the move at all. It looks like for now the G-14 just wants to get UEFA to listen to them. And that's why you only see Celtic and not Rangers - they both belong with the big boys, but the Scottish Premiership doesn't need 2 reps.

France, England, Spain, Italy, Germany all have 4; Netherlands and Portugal get 2; and then one from everywhere else. How those "votes" are gonna break down... that looks bizarre.

That's not to say that a breakaway group isn't in the cards down the road... but if/when that happens, expect the big boys to politely say goodbye to Wisla Krakow and the like.
Jan

The G14 no longer aims to be a top of the crop millionaires club. The UEFA rightfully doesn't officially recognise the G14 and the G14 now aims to create a more balanced and representative voice for the interests of the European clubs.
Big John

Crap, almost forgot... KTBFFH!
Big John

Red Star Belgrade, CSKA Moscow and Olympiacos of the "huh?" list strike me as real potential members. The rest I can see as "big, should be invited to talk, but not join". The G-14 has a bigger scope of influence, and it's smart to expand eastward.
Shane

Are they gonna take my lunch money too?