ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

One of the most watched sporting leagues in the world the English Premier League came into existence on 20th February 1992 following the decisions of clubs in the Football League First Division to quit the Football League which was founded in 1888 to take advantage of lucrative television rights deal. Since its emergence it has successfully entertained the world over a consistent period of time. One of the most competitively fought leagues has ranked first in the UEFA rankings of leagues based on performances in European competitions over the last five years.

The English Football League is an English Professional League for Football Clubs and it is the country’s primary football competition. The Premier League Season runs from August to May. 20 Clubs participate in the competition and a total of 38 games are played by each team operating a system of promotion and relegation with the Football League. The Premier League is a corporation in which the 20 member clubs act as shareholders.

When it all started English Football was not having the times one could boast of. Stadiums were crumbling and soccer fans were associated with hooliganism. The Heysel Stadium Disaster witnessed the death of 39 football fans and it made the matter worst for the English Teams. Slowly but surely revival was on the cards. In 1992 there were just 11 Irish Footballers in the Premier League, by 2007 there were more than 250.

Manchester United is undoubtedly the most successful team in the history of the English Premier League. Alex Ferguson’s side has had a remarkable performance winning 10 titles and has always been in the top three since the Premier League was launched in 1992.

Money Came Pouring In!

It has turned out to be a lucrative career for the players, team members, officials and everyone associated with the league. Sponsorship has played an enormous role. In 1993 Carling paid 12 Million Pounds for 4 years and the competition was known as the FA Carling Premiership. They renewed the contract for another 4 years paying a 300% increase. In 2001 Barclays paid 48 Million Pounds for 3 years and became the new sponsors. Barclays paid 65.8 Million Pounds to renew the contract in 2004. As the tournament is sponsored by Barclays Bank, it is therefore officially known as the Barclays Premier League.