Peter Lawwell has dropped a hint that Celtic could be bound for the Football League.
Plans to merge the Russian and Ukrainian league’s has been given UEFA approval in principle prompting speculation that other moves could be on the cards.
Celtic have never hidden their desire to play in a set up that allows them to maximise their potential by competing against similar sized clubs but have been given little encouragement from the cartel running the FA Premiership.
On the back of the commercial success of the Premiership the Football League is believed to be the fifth richest league in the world with the golden ticket to the Premiership up for grabs.
Joining the Championship or even League One would be attractive for Celtic but any move or merger will come through negotiations with the SPL.
“UEFA now recognise that there is a chasm between the top five nations and the rest and it’s getting bigger and deeper,” Lawwell explained.
“This regional league proposition that is coming through now is the first recognition that they need to do something about it. We need to be careful. We’re 100 per cent behind the SPL’s reconstruction proposals.
“This is something we need to get on with now, but in the future if things develop, we can’t be left behind.
“If nations do merge Dutch, Belgian, Russian, Ukrainian they create bigger markets and we get smaller.
“Your natural partner is England with the rivalries. If not the Premier League, the Football League. That’s still a problem for another day. Things are moving along.”
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If other leagues / Countries are allowed to amalgamate / regionalise…..then we cannot afford to wait for any invite. I’d much rather play Ajax, Anderlecht, Copenhagen etc than Millwall or Burnley or whoever.
Away games won’t be a problem, they can be beamed back to CP with an U20s games played prior to kick-off for those wishing to turn up early.
I think such a move would offer more than any invite to the lower English leagues both in monetary terms and the development of the team / club.
The entrance route to the Champions League also needs clarification. Will slots be lost to member clubs countries, if so, replaced by how many, National status is also important with regards youth development. Most boys want to play for their country at international level.
How will promotion/ demotion (if any) operate. This could be a tricky one! What will be the entrance criterea. I am really intrigued, but it won’t be as simple as turning up with a ball. I can see a green and white sleeper train(not much sleeping) criss crossing back and forth across Europe for our illustrious away support. A fortnightly euro party! How much does a train cost?