Immediate attention however was paid to 12 of Europe’s biggest football clubs this week announcing plans for a new European Super League, only for 9 of the 12 involved to withdraw from the scheme within 48 hours following outrage and protests from football fans, politicians and the game’s governing bodies.
“This is the new Super League that was put forward on Monday and had sort of completely fallen over by Wednesday,” said Paul Merton.
“And I think people’s objection was that it was all to do with money… is that a new thing in football?” joked the week’s host Victoria Coren Mitchell.
“No I think their objection mainly was that you could be in this league, but there’d be no relegation. If you were one of the teams that wasn't in this league, you couldn't get into the league. So essentially it was a series of exhibition matches where if you lost, it didn't matter,” pointed out Merton.
“…bit like this!” laughed Ian Hislop.
“If there was relegation in this, Ian would be in some sort of semi-amateur dramatic version of this somewhere in a church hall in Tunbridge Wells, but, you know, he’s not…!” joked Merton.
“I actually found it all very inspiring. I didn't expect to be inspired by football fans but honestly, the way they demonstrated the people power to actually make a change happen, in that way and so rapidly, was kind of inspiring. Especially in these times you know where people can feel quite powerless about decisions that are made,” said panellist Emma Dabiri.
“I thought it was a brilliant 48 hours. Genuinely, I'm going to say it, that 48 hours is the most I've enjoyed football in my lifetime. And I say that as a football fan. You had anger, excitement, that's why I'm into football… and then… we won! I've never experienced that before, it was everything!” beamed panellist Josh Widdicombe.
“Which team to do you support?” asked Merton.
“Plymouth…” Widdicombe replied, “…we weren’t in the 12.”
“You’re lucky to be in the 92, aren’t you?” joked Merton.
