5 reasons Celtic welcome the Champions League over ESL 2.0 and why mutineers have made major miscalculation

Most revolutions don't come easy but there's a growing sense a modified European Super League is doomed to fail.

The first attempted incarnation in May 2021 was pure box office – the biggest clubs in England, Spain and Italy ready to up sticks and leave their domestic competitions and the Champions League in their dust. But sheepish Premier League mutineers quickly returned with their tails between their legs amid fan apoplexy.

But whispers soon leaked Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona were unbowed and the push to return with a revised plan was in the works. The big reveal in full was shared to a global audience on Thursday and the reaction certainly wasn't positive. And now reverberations were felt on these shores as Celtic and Rangers were once again namechecked after 25 private member invites were sent.

Both are unlikely to be swayed and the Premiership champions, in particular, have significant reasons why are the ultimate long shot to depart UEFA and say yes to the breakaways. Record Sport runs the rule over the current state of play and where Celtic fit in.

Let's make one thing abundantly clear; Celtic are NOT indebted to UEFA's flagship tournament because Peter Lawwell has been a vital member of the European Club Association – flip the question and it will lead you to the answer. The former chief executive has sat at a top table to protect his club and other illustrious names who sit outside the 'big five' for such events like these.

Lawwell remains highly respected among Nyon decision makers and it's vital to remember the Parkhead chairman kept his ECA hat firmly fixed after stepping down as the club's chief executive after 18 trophy-laden seasons. He and Ajax's Edwin van der Sar have been key components