Exclusive: Top clubs will be "thrown out" if they breakaway warns Platini

By Andrew Warshaw in Rio de Janeiro

July 31 – UEFA President Michel Platini has warned European football’s giants not to set up a breakaway league or risk being thrown out of all competitions.

The possibility of a breakaway European Super League emerged again last week after the European Club Association (ECA) voiced their anger at match scheduling and revenue sharing.

The upcoming pre-season August friendly date is a case in point and the ECA wants the issues addressed before its current deal with FIFA and UEFA expires in 2014.

Once that agreement ends, clubs would no longer be legally bound to compete in the Champions League or release their players to compete in internationals.

“What they are suggesting is impossible,” Platini warned.

“I don’t believe it.

“If they go ahead, they will be thrown out.

“Impossible.

“I think this just a ploy to apply pressure.

“UEFA and the clubs in the main get on extremely well.”

Last week, AC Milan’s Umberto Gandini, an ECA Board member, was quoted as saying that players may have to choose between club and country in future.

“We are the ones who invest the money, we are the ones who develop the players, we are the ones who give the players a reason to play,” Gandini, a director of Serie A champion AC Milan, told Bloomberg.

“Without the clubs, what do you think they are going to do?”

Gandini’s comments came after ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (pictured) called for a club-led “revolution” against the decision makers in world football.

The Bayern Munich boss hinted at a possible breakaway from international associations if the clubs’ grievances are not heard.

But Platini said the clubs were being greedy.

“They say they are not in favour of central marketing for TV rights but that’s their view,” he told insideworldfootball.

“What about the smaller clubs who earn less?”

He also disputed that the players, whose salaries are paid by the clubs, are having to play too many unnecessary fixtures.

“Why are the clubs always blaming national teams.

“What have Bayern Munich and some of the others been doing recently?

“Going on pre-season tours to earn money.

“They can’t have it both ways.”

Platini, who was here to attend last night’s World Cup draw, also advised England to stick to the concept of replacing manager Fabio Capello with one of their own following next year’s Euro finals.

“I like Capello but English coaches have a good reputation so why not appoint an Englishman?” said Platini.

“It’s only my opinion and you should always of course go for the best available person but that’s the way I’d go.”

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