ESL is posturing, purgatory, or paradigm shift for Tottenham Hotspur

The last two days for those that follow Tottenham Hotspur have been quite frantic. The Spurs made a huge decision and announcement, then less than 24 hours later made another in sacking Jose Mourinho. However, in the longterm history of the club, it was the decision 24 hours earlier to join the European Super League that was the monumental moment for Tottenham Hotspur. With a little time to reflect, it seems the ESL can go one of three ways for Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham in the Club

Whether or not you like the fact that Tottenham Hotspur are part of a breakaway group looking to change the fabric of European football; as a Tottenham fan you have to be excited to be included. I know I need more information and need to hear from more people, especially the players, before I can make any definitive conclusions on what is happening but I do know Tottenham being a part of the conversation is a big deal.

If the money being talked about is accurate and the overall European footballing pyramid can actually gain billions in the process this could be great. Of course the idea of lessening the overall competitive nature of the game is a different conversation altogether. Of course that is only a conversation for fans, players, and pundits, as the owners are on a different agenda.

Given the inability to impact proceedings, we can at least consider the consequences of the actions taken by Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur.

ESL is just posturing

It is possible that all of this talk – and there is a lot of of coming from Spain – is just that, talk. Sometimes the ‘threat’ of something changing is not real until someone creates a website and releases some PR statements.

Yes, the 12 clubs have left the European Club Association, which in theory oversees the interests of all the associated clubs in Europe. However, the ECA was only founded in 2008 and was founded by Manchester United owner Malcom Glazer. While it is a statement, it is not the same as leaving the actual league.

Ultimately, these clubs want more power and more say, particularly in rights associated with he broadcasts of their clubs. Those TV/streaming rights are just one of several issues involving money driving this process. If UEFA can make the money right, all this will likely go away but fans will not forget. Honestly, posturing is probably a best case scenario at this point but does not necessarily feel likely.

ESL is Purgatory

It is possible that these clubs have just made a big mistake. The belief that they can force the kind of massive changes in both the money and power structure of football across the continent may ultimately be misguided. April 18 could go down as a dark, dark day in Tottenham history.

It is possible that the controlling powers of European football can muster the strength and conviction and ake action on Tottenham and the other participating clubs. You do not have to search hard on any social media platform to find fans, pundits, and opposing players alike calling for deductions in points, forced relegation, or banning them from their respective leagues.

If the collective will of the footballing world is greater than he might of Real Madrid and Manchester Uniter this could go very wrong. If Tottenham were to be relegated or kicked out of the Premier League the consequences would be quite serious. With a huge stadium bill, the promise of a guaranteed 300-400 million sounds great, however I was always told not to bite the hand that feeds you. It is very possible Tottenham did just that and the consequences could be severe.

ESL is a real paradigm-shift

The bet that Daniel Levy, the Glazers, Fenway Sports Group and others are making here is that this league is the future and the future is now. The windfall of these clubs getting more money than the current Champions League winners will completely shift the game. Whether the seats in the European Super League are truly permanent – or 23 years – or not, just a few years with that kind of cash can change a club in major ways.

When you look at what Manchester City has spent and what it has done for them, suddenly the idea of being part of that club sounds kind of appealing. If these clubs can somehow have their cake and eat it too, where we can see see Tottenham in a regular competition with Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona without losing the Premier League then the sport will be forever changed.

Of course the one thing that none of this considers is us, the fans. It seems like win or lose, we have been losing a lot lately and these are just more questions in a turbulent time at the club.

Where the fans will end up in the of of this remains to be seen but one thing is certain the landscape is changing and Tottenham are now at a true fork in the road. Which way will it lead? Only time will tell.