Moog
They weren't founded to do good for the game, they were founded to do good for their members.
How ? They are not an official organisation. They are not part of FIFA, UEFA or anyone. Clubs are businesses that can do what they like, and if they seek to join together to protect their interests then there's nothing FIFA can do about it. Saying "disband it" is pointless.
The nonsensical line about the G14 providing one player in Greece's Euro 2004 winning side is severely flawed. First, Greece were undeserving champions. Tell me how Greece, who have not qualified for the World Cup, are better than England ? Or France ? Because they beat France once ? France will beat them nine times out of ten, and they had better hope that one of those times isn't at the start of the season when the players haven't already played 50-60 games already.
Second, the G14 provided the *tournament* with world clbutt players, not just the so-called champions. Top scorers in the tournament ? Amongst the top scorers in the tournament were Baros, van Nistelrooy, Tombutton, Zidane, Larsson, Henry, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic etc - all of whom play for G14 teams.
Who are top of the French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch and Portugeuse Leagues ? G14 members.
Who contested the last Champions League final ? G14 members.
Out of Europe's top leagues, only one is not currently being led by a G14 member. That's ours, Chelsea, and we're in the somewhat unique situation there where the club that's top of the league manages to lose more money every year than anyone running a football club had ever thought possible. Never in Peter Ridsdale's worst nightmares were Leeds this badly off.
So, I do not think this notion that they're scared and want to protect their position really makes sense.
Unfortunately, people have this romantic ideal of international football where clubs are just there to feed countries with players. They aren't, they are there to win competitions for themselves and make money for themselves.
Alex
