Newcastle United news: Kieran Maguire lambasts ‘absolutely laughable’ statement
Newcastle United will recognise the hypocrisy in Uefa’s “absolutely laughable” commitment to the Win it on the Pitch initiative.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the ruling body’s plans to reform the Champions League.
It has been widely reported that Uefa want to award two places in an expanded competition format to teams based on historic performance.
But on Thursday (21 April) they announced their support for Win it on the Pitch, which was formed to guard against future breakaway attempts.
Win it on the Pitch cites sporting merit among its key pillars.
But critics argue that Uefa’s planned revamp will give historically successful clubs an unassailable advantage over up-and-comers like Newcastle.
Maguire emphasised just how much Win it on the Pitch and the Champions League are at odds with one another.
“Uefa’s response appears to be absolutely laughable,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“The only thing we can say in their defence is that the final decision has not yet been made.
“There does appear to be pressure from the ECA to award places not on the basis of winning football matches but in order to help the rich.
“This goes completely against any principle of sporting merit.
“The likes of Newcastle will be very frustrated if this does go through as it is going to make smashing the glass ceiling all the more difficult.“
Newcastle are currently 11th in the Premier League after four successive wins.
They are next in action against Liverpool next Saturday (30 April).
In other news, pundit suggests Bruno Guimaraes will be at Newcastle United for “a long, long time” after report.