Aliens and relegation: how the National League can be saved

The National League was, or will be one more year, one of the best leagues in the world. The largest number of spectators after the NHL, sportingly number three behind the North American NHL and the Great Russian Federation KHL and even more balanced.

Now there are ‘reforms’ underway that will turn our National League into an operetta league for third and fourth class players from North America, Scandinavia and the lands of the former crown of the Danube Monarchy: 10 foreigners, no promotion / relegation and, in addition, a salary restriction that has long since become ineffective. (“Financial fair play”).

Never since the life of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels has there been so much arrogance towards paying customers in the free market economy: 90 percent of all fans reject innovations (10 foreigners, no decline). And all this at a time when clubs depend more than ever on their clients and have to do everything possible to foster an emotional bond with the public. There is also a wonderful saying from the Belgian socialist Paul-Henri Spaak: “Stupidity is the strangest of all diseases. The patient never has it. But the others suffer. “

So the question is: What recipe is there against the incredible narrowness of the league and the club generals, against this greatest madness in our sports history? Only three left.

The captains of the 12 National League teams request an appointment with their president (or their president) and make a suggestion: We are ready to negotiate more pay cuts. If the number of foreigners does not increase. However, if there is an increase in the number of foreigners, there is no longer resignation and all contracts are fulfilled to the last penny and the last decimal.

Team captains could put pressure on club bosses. Image: keystone

Concrete talks on the new television contract will begin in the summer. Today, the league’s television and marketing rights cost about $ 35 million per season. Anyone who pays another $ 35 million for television rights to a league that is currently “destroying” itself with reforms is no longer sane. Perhaps, in the course of these negotiations, the league’s simpleton will still see a little light.

Walter Frey, the only president of the club who is aware of the extent of the stupidity of the reforms, invites all his presidential colleagues to a meeting and makes it clear to everyone what it is about. Meanwhile, he is probably the only one who could end this evil ghost and takes on the task that would actually be the responsibility of the president of the association. But no one takes this seriously: under Michael Rindlisbacher, the association has by far the weakest leader in history (since 1908). Ultimately, the responsibility for the “destruction” of our league does not lie with the sports managers and directors, or the association. Corresponds only to club presidents.

Could Walter Frey convince his presidential colleagues? Photo: trapezoidal

Arrogance has gotten too great

Unfortunately, the protests of the fans do not help: the arrogance and ignorance of the club and the generals of the league have become so great that they assume that the fans will come to the stadium regardless. And cheer on the Henriks, Jespers, Jakubs and Karels with as much joy as the Simons, Tinos, Julien, Flurins, Sébastiens or Fabian.

If it is no longer possible to stop this “self-destruction” of our hockey, at least opportunities will open up. We will find a solution in the history of our ice hockey. From 1916 to 1933, in addition to the national championship – here a restriction of foreigners applies – an international championship without restrictions of foreigners was held. Clubs could participate in both competitions. Today, only national championship titles count towards championship statistics.

The Swiss league as a true national championship

What was possible from 1916 to 1933 can be reintroduced from the 2022/23 season: an international championship and a national championship. The National League becomes the International Championship. The Swiss league: the name says it all! – becomes the national championship.

This possibility is all the more realistic since, in the meantime, the Swiss League has become legally independent and independent of the National League. As soon as the “self-destruction” of the National League begins in the 2022/23 season, between 50 and 100 Swiss players plus the best young talents will hit the market and can be signed by the Swiss League teams on favorable terms. The Swiss League will then be both: a spectacular championship and a training league. It is already the third best and the second highest division in the world.

It is now up to the coaches of the Swiss League to create structures that allow for semi-professional play. Salaries will be low, but game operations can be arranged so that children can work alongside. Sponsors guarantee good training and jobs in real life.

The Swiss League will thus become a championship for Swiss players. The winner of the Swiss League is the true Swiss champion. For the promotion candidates, Kloten, Olten and Ajoie, it will be much more attractive from a sporting and economic point of view to remain a first-rate team with its own players in the Swiss League than to become an operetta team with ten foreigners in the National League. It is up to General Jean Brogle of the Swiss League to promote the Swiss League as a better and credible alternative to the National League operetta league in upcoming TV negotiations. And the Swiss League can also become an alternative for fans and sponsors: for better sport, much more drama and excitement, and better regional roots for much less money.

The Swiss League is already well anchored regionally with two teams in the densely populated central plateau (Olten, Langenthal), teams in the Zurich metropolitan area, eastern Switzerland, Valais and French-speaking Switzerland. With the addition of Arosa and Basel, market coverage will be optimal. It is also possible to continue the athletic promotion / relegation with the highest amateur league.

Kloten as the opposite pole in the National League

To follow Kloten’s example: if the people of Zurich are tempted to move up or buy their National League ticket, then there is a promising concept: avoid foreigners entirely, cultivate the ‘Swiss’ and compete as a team. Swiss. There is already a cool, yes, impressive logo: from the “Helvetics”, who once wanted to conquer the KHL with sports director Lars Weibel. A logo that would also be suitable for marketing the Swiss League.

Sponsors and spectators will honor a “Kloten Helvetics” concept. With wisdom and patience, it is possible to build a competitive team with Swiss players in three years.

This ‘Swiss concept’ is also ideal for Langnau and Ambri. Ambri simply takes over the old hands and talents of Lugano and Langnau that have become redundant due to ten foreigners, all of whom become redundant in Bern for the same reason.

PS As soon as the ten foreigners per team are definitely decided, I will register as a player agent. Not to make money. Rather, as a Bernese, I can contribute to the promotion of culture in the Bern area by offering my services to the SCB free of charge and protecting them from harm. No one is served if SCB’s sports management can turn against foreign personnel from Iceland, Mongolia, China, Australia, Japan, Spain or South Africa.