Slow Newsletter: Baltic League, Klinsmann, Rangers, Bundesliga protests – game of the people
THE Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, are mulling over an idea to create a cross-border league in a bid to raise the profile and standard of their domestic football. A Baltic competition has been tried before, but the rationale this time is different and many UEFA officials believe it could be the ideal location to test the integrated league concept. The three nations do not fare well in European competitions and have limited commercial appeal – in 2022, the combined income of the leagues was less than £ 50 million. A broader league would, arguably, be more attractive for sponsorship and broadcasters and may spark off an improvement in player development. At present, Estonia, at 123, is the highest ranked of the three countries by FIFA, with Latvia at 136 and Lithuania 138. The highest UEFA-ranked club from the trio is Žalgiris Vilnius of Lithuania, who are 127th. The format for a Baltic league has been tabled, with three 10-team domestic leagues providing four apiece for a Baltic play-off league. Doubtless, a lot of discussions have still to take place, but what do they have to lose?
South Korea have sacked 59 year-old coach Jürgen Klinsmann after their disappointing exit from the Asian Cup at the semi-final stage. Klinsmann was criticised for his playing style as well as his management of the players. South Korea, who were one of the favourites, were surprisingly beaten by Jordan in the Asian Cup. Prior to the that game, South Korea had enjoyed a long unbeaten run but Klinsmann was clearly vulnerable as he spent much of his time working from his Los Angeles home.
Rangers have gone top of the Scottish Premiership after beating St. Johnstone 3-0 in Perth. The win puts them two points clear of Glasgow rivals Celtic. Rangers’ goals came from Mo Diomande (37) and a brace of penalties from James Tavernier (79 and 87). Celtic were held 1-1 at home by Kilmarnock, who equalised through David Watson in the 92nd minute. Kyogo Furuhashi had put Celtic in front after 32 minutes. Rangers and Celtic have 12 games apiece to play and they will go head-to-head on April 7.
German fans are never shy in coming forward and the latest round of matches have been characterised by a string of protests about a proposed deal that will see the league dispose of an 8% stake of future TV rights, an idea that was backed by two-thirds of the DFL’s two top divisions. Four of five Bundesliga games played on February 17 were interrupted by protests, including tennis balls and chocolate coins being thrown onto the pitch, but the most bizarre incident was in 2. Bundesliga at the Hansa Rostock versus Hamburg meeting. Remote controlled toy cars came onto the pitch equipped with smoke bombs. No question they made their point, but how did they get the cars into the stadium?
