The creation of the idea of the European Super League was one that was met with widespread criticism all across the football spectrum.
When some of the top clubs from the English, Italian and Spanish leagues planned their breakaway, member clubs of the European Club Association, of which Peter Lawwell is a member and looks after Scotland’s interests in European football, devised a plan to combat the proposals. [iNews]
And according to The ECA Chief Executive, Charlie Marshall, the Celtic Chairman was a key figure in making sure the controversial plan was successfully fought. Marshall was unequivocal in his praise for Lawwell for his part in the process.
Marshal said (The Scotsman print edition page 54) “You can have all the points and statistics you like, but do you have individuals able to operate well at that level, who are constructive and well-respected and can see the bigger picture, rather than just their own club?
“Peter is one of those people. He’s been a mainstay of the ECA board. Now he’s becoming even more senior. He’s not just respected within the ECA, but also within UEFA and FIFA, stakeholders we need to work with, because he has that constructive approach. It’s all good for Scottish football.
“The Super League situation showed what the ECA stands for. When that initiative, debacle, coup, whatever you want to call it, was launched in 2021, seven of the 12 clubs involved were on our board – including the chairman.
“The first thing they did was all sent resignation letters on a Sunday night, resigning from the ECA board positions and UEFA, to get out of the system and then they tried what they did.
“They did that because there was never an outcome in which the ECA, with its broad base structure and pan-European focus, could ever support that kind of project, 12 clubs separating and leaving everyone else with the breadcrumbs.
“We obviously opposed it strongly, along with the rest of the world thankfully, and it unravelled quickly. Most of those clubs have had to reconsider their roles at the ECA. Over a very difficult process, institutionally and personally, many came back.
“More the clubs rather than the individuals. But Peter, as a senior board member at the time, was one of the key people we all gravitated around to form this opposition.”
Very impressive comments from Marshal which highlight just how important it is to have Lawwell representing not only Celtic’s interests in Europe at an executive level but also Scotland’s.
If that plan did go ahead, Celtic would have been left in the wilderness along with the likes of other big clubs from the smaller nations around Europe. However, since then
As it stands at the moment, the plan is not completely dead in the water as discussions around a revamp continue.
But at least with Lawwell being a key and influential figure that is involved in those discussions, you can rest assured that he will ensure Celtic’s interests are looked after.
In other news, Report: Liel Abada turns down new Celtic contract; Rodgers to schedule player talks
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