St Johnstone manager Craig Levein has suggested that Celtic should join the English Premier League.
Levein pointed out the financial challenges faced by Scottish football, particularly in comparison to the lucrative TV deals in England. He suggested that if Celtic were to play in the English Premier League, they could contribute £50 million a season to the remaining Scottish clubs, potentially improving the overall standard of the SPFL.
As quoted by Football Scotland , he said,“I also think the way the prize money is split in Scotland, the top two get a massive amount compared to the rest and that keeps the rest down.
“I will come back to my base camp – I would love to see the Old Firm playing in the English Premier League. They would be able to afford to pay £50m each per season to the rest of Scottish football and then I would support Celtic and Rangers playing in the English Premier League. But will it ever happen? I don’t think so.”
So, in essence, he wants Celtic to move to England and put themselves at a financial disadvantage so that clubs in Scotland can get a few million extra year. And he also wants better financial rewards for not winning.
Of course, this view is not universally shared. Celtic moving from the Scottish Premiership could have detrimental effects. The presence of these two Glasgow giants is a significant draw for TV networks and sponsors, and their departure could lead to reduced revenue and exposure for the league.
It’s a non-starter and a stupid idea from Levein.
