The Premier League's attempt to set up a European competition for U21 players "has been blocked by UEFA," according to Matt Lawton of the London DAILY MAIL. Officials at the Premier League had 16 clubs across Europe ready to participate in the "International Cup" and address a major concern recently highlighted by FA Chair Greg Dyke’s commission; "a lack of meaningful, competitive football for players aged between 18 and 21." But "after a lengthy consultation process with UEFA over the formation of the competition the Premier League have been left bitterly disappointed by the European governing body’s refusal to give it their approval." As one observer said, "It seems a bit small-minded of UEFA to block it." An "impressive group of clubs are ready to sign up to a competition that even had a proposed fixture schedule in place."
From
England, Chelsea, Man City, ManU, Fulham, Leicester
City, Southampton, Sunderland and West Ham "are on board." While from the
rest of Europe, Celtic, Athletic Bilbao, Benfica, Borussia
Monchengladbach, Schalke, FC Porto, PSV Eindhoven and Villarreal "are
also ready to take part" (DAILY MAIL, 9/20).