The news today has been a very mixed bag, but one story that caught my attention was the list of the richest football clubs in Europe.

Last month, with slightly less exposure, the list of the top 50 highest earning football players was released. It really makes me wonder...why on earth do they earn so much!?

Why is the amount of money the clubs, and footballers themselves, have celebrated in this way? Is it not something to be ashamed of? Embarrassed even? Some people save lives on a daily basis and don't even get paid 25% of what these blokes who kick a ball around a field do.

It wouldn't be SO bad if they were good for anything else, but they are hardy role models – as recent press has proven! (JT is in the top 10 and Ashley Cole comes in at 33.) Unfortunately though the positive PR that constantly surrounds the astronomical wages achieved by footballers makes them a role model for different reasons. What kid wouldn't want to be mega rich, whilst just playing football for a living?

Obviously there is a lot of money in football, but does there really need to be? Would it not make the game ten times more exciting if the sound of cashiers bells didn't ring out with every footstep?

Click here to see the football rich list.