Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Research poll I was interested in -
BBC Sport and Savanta ComRes conducted a poll of UK soccer fans, on their support of a potential European Super League.
The data suggested that younger fans would be happy with the prospect of a European Super League. While the majority of older soccer fans are against the idea.
This research suggests that fans may be open to the European Super League concept when UEFA reforms its club competitions from 2024.
Brexit news I am keeping an eye on -
Premier League clubs will face new restrictions on the signing of players from outside of the UK, starting in January 2021, as a consequence of Brexit.
All overseas players joining English clubs must qualify for entry through a points-based system when the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December.
Points will be awarded for senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club.
The Football Association, the Premier League and the English Football League have come together to agree the plan. Clubs will also not be able to sign overseas players until they are 18.
The proposal which will see players given a governing body endorsement (GBE), was submitted to the UK gouvernement in November and has now been approved by the Home Office.
All transfering players will be sanctioned using a points-based system. Players who accrue the required amount of points will earn a GBE automatically, while players just outside the requirements may be considered for a GBE by an exceptions panel.
The system means Brexit should not "damage the success" of the Premier League or the "prospects of the England teams", according to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
"Continuing to be able to recruit the best players will see the Premier League remain competitive and compelling," he said.
"The solution will complement our player development philosophy of the best foreign talent alongside the best homegrown players."
The Scottish Football Association has yet to announce their plans.
Article that caught my attention -
Nike's diversity advert causing a backlash in Japan, from Justin Harper. A video made by Nike Japan that explores bullying and racism using three schoolgirl footballers has sparked praise and outrage online, including calls to boycott the company’s products.
College football story I have been following -
Sarah Fuller (@SarahFuller_27) became the first woman to play in a Power 5 college football game. Fuller had been called into Vanderbilt due to a number of players self-isolating due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"I just want to tell all the girls out there that you can do anything you set your mind to," she said after the game.
During Saturday's match, Fuller wore a helmet with the slogan Play Like A Girl on the back, in support of a non-profit group encouraging girls to play sports.
What I have been reading -
Veeck As In Wreck: The Autobiography of Bill Veeck. Originally released in 1962, Veeck as in Wreck accounts the story of former baseball club owner Bill Veeck.
Veeck was potentially the most innovative owner in baseball history. For starters, it is now legend that it was Veeck’s idea to cover the walls in Wrigley Field with ivy.
His use of the three-foot, seven inch Eddie Gaedel as a pinch hitter is the stuff of legends as are many of the other great stories in this book.
Veeck is known as a master of game-day promotions. With promotions such as You Be The Manager Night (where fans voted on managerial strategy), to raffles, to disco demolition night; in his attempts to fill his ballpark. However, Veeck was more than just a showman with his practices based on in-depth analysis of ticket sales which led to more sophisticated marketing campaigns.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan