Post
by Jonathan Rogers » Wed Jan 04, 2017 4:20 pm
To answer Chris: The ECF long since decided that its three nominees for the European Club Cup (ECC) would be determined by 4NCL finishing positions (although, if it didn't, then it would be entitled to fewer than three nominees).
But there is a world of difference between the two. The 4NCL is naturally used to decide ECC nominees, because there is no meaningful concept of a "club" in the ECC either; it is expected that most top teams will be hired mercenaries. In domestic chess, the word "club" still has a real meaning and the 4NCL is ill fitted to meet it. Indeed, when the 4NCL was created, it made a big deal about teams being able to field absolutely anyone they wanted, as a contrast to the restrictive rules of "bona fide club members" which cropped up from time to time in the Open section of the National Club.
Which is why I find this latest development quite odd. Historically incoherent, no particular benefit to it (no is going to try harder to win the 4NCL because of it!) and a cause of potential arguments within the structure of the remaining National Club competitions themselves, along the lines mentioned by others above.