I don't think it would

works fine in NFL and Rugby Premiership only has one relegation spot.

You just make it smaller league with a play off system for a trophy or European qualification. You could keep most clubs interested until the end I think. The aim would be to get the bulk of the (say) 16 clubs all roughly balanced so that there isn't such a massive gulf between the top, middle and bottom. You'd get your top clubs still, but you'd have more seasons with a Leicester happening.

What it may need, though, is some way to balance the financial effect of finishing at the lower end all of the time. NFL has the draft, which wouldn't work so well here, but I should imagine you could be creative with how the TV money is shared.

It would be dull to those not in it, but for those in it, it'd be fine as they get to buy star players and potentially play more attractive football once the fear of relegation is taken away.

I don't think it'll ever happen, incidentally, but I think you could make quite a good product out of a closed league.

Posted By: CWC, Mar 2, 20:11:41