West Ham news: Phillips slams ‘big six’ proposal as David Moyes fumes
Kevin Phillips has backed David Moyes after the West Ham manager hit out at Uefa’s proposed changed to Champions League qualification.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Sunderland and England striker insisted clubs do not need to “appease” the so-called “big six” even though they tried to form a European Super League last year.
According to The Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace (2 April), FA Cup winners could qualify for the Champions League from 2024 under new rules being considered by Uefa.
However, only clubs who have a record of success in European competition would be be able to qualify under the proposal.
As quoted by Football.London (3 April), David Moyes hit out at the idea and claimed qualification should be on sporting merit and not history.
When asked for thoughts on the proposal, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “We don’t need to bow to these ‘big six’ clubs.
“Why do they have anymore right than anybody else?
“It is a difficult one but I don’t think we should appease these bigger clubs. Everyone should have equal value in the FA Cup and the Premier League.
“The clubs have earned the right to be there. It wouldn’t be fair for the prize to be one thing for one team and one thing for another. I wouldn’t like to see it, to be honest.”
Speaking on the proposal, Moyes said: “We talk about being inclusive in football, that means give all the teams the opportunity to get there.
“I don’t think most people see that as the correct format to go. It should be on merit.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed West Ham could swoop for a Liverpool star after Issa Diop exit report.