This is something that has been debated quite a bit since the commercialization of football began, but I didn't find an accurate topic about it here.

It's a simple question, really, which I reckon the majority of fans think about frequently. If you had to make a choice, which one would you prefer, a world class league with most of the biggest stars, or simply a league of a lower standard with a great atmosphere?

Some countries are able to combine these two and some match ups in England are truly amazing, as well. However, when watching a game from England (and having seen football in reasonably many countries) and comparing it to one in e.g. Germany, I always wonder how things managed to become so f****d up.

Edited September 14, 201113 yr by Eagle Owl

It entirely depends on what type of fan you are.

For me personally, when I attend home games I a find the quality of the game more important, but when I attend away games atmosphere in the stadium is more important to me. Being Chelsea, wherever we go it is like a cup final for whoever plays us so opposition fans are always up for it, and our away support is as good as any out there, if not the best.

May I suggest that the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Ideally they should co-exist!

For me it is def atmosphere...You can have a quality game with no atmosphere...sh*t.........You can have a reasonably crap game n have a great atmosphere n come away from the game with some satisfaction..Just my opinion

May I suggest that the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Ideally they should co-exist!

Absolutely. I think Germany is the best example of this right now, since they've been able to keep the intensity and atmosphere in the stands, without having to sacrifice the quality of the game. This is obviously due to healthy finances and not spending loads more than you make, which has kept the ticket prices affordable as well. You can e.g. attend a game in Berlin for approximately £10 against any opposition.

I love the English game, but it's sad to see that some aspects of it are being destroyed.