Persistence in ESL Development Continues, Despite Football’s Non-Commercial Nature
The European Super League (ESL) might still gain acceptance among fans and clubs, according to the project’s chief promoter. The concept of a separate European league, initially introduced in 2021 with 12 teams, remains in play despite opposition.
A recent decision by the European Court of Justice deemed it illegal to prevent clubs from participating in the league. Following this, revised ESL plans were unveiled.
UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, derided the updated ESL format, affirming that football isn’t a commodity for sale and expressed skepticism about the league’s feasibility, stating he anticipates a league with minimal participation.
Ceferin remarked, “We have no intention of obstructing their efforts. They are at liberty to establish whatever they desire.”
The new ESL model, proposed by A22, the original ESL’s supporting entity, suggests a league comprising 64 male and 32 female teams. This format includes a promotion and relegation system without fixed membership.
Bernd Reichart, A22’s CEO, conveyed to Sport News Center that this revised structure addresses the original ESL’s criticism, particularly in the UK, about the lack of relegation, seen as a deviation from football traditions.
Reichart envisions a league that complements domestic leagues, operating mid-week and leaving national competitions unaffected. He believes convincing both clubs and their fans is key to the ESL’s success.
Despite interest from certain clubs, Reichart refrained from naming them to avoid further dividing the football community. He emphasized the aim to gradually persuade clubs and fans with a transparent and sanction-free proposal.
Reichart also noted that the new format, focused solely on sporting achievement, would respect the existing football calendar and prioritize player welfare, maintaining current matchday numbers but enhancing competition quality.
The revised ESL could also provide opportunities for smaller, high-performing clubs, like current La Liga leaders Girona, to engage in European competition from start to finish.
Domestic Leagues and Clubs Firm in Opposition to ESL
European domestic leagues, including the Premier League, swiftly denounced A22’s new plan. The Premier League’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to traditional football structures and acknowledged fan opposition to a separate European league.
Champions League winners Manchester City, along with Manchester United and Tottenham, reiterated their dedication to UEFA’s tournaments. Bayern Munich, too, confirmed its disinterest in the Super League.
United, an initial ESL founding member, had withdrawn amid heavy criticism.
Ceferin sees the European Court of Justice ruling as an opportunity for UEFA to refine its regulations, particularly after scrutiny over recent changes to the Champions League format, effective from the 2024-25 season. UEFA asserts that its revised rules adhere to all applicable European laws.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chair of the European Clubs Association, downplayed the court’s decision as a significant victory. He highlighted UEFA’s focus on security, medical aspects, and competition reforms, maintaining that clubs still view UEFA’s tournaments as the pinnacle of club football.
Al-Khelaifi emphasized the non-requirement for threats or exclusions, allowing for separate competitions but affirming the Champions League’s preeminence and iconic status.
Ceferin’s Condemnation and ESL’s Controversial History
Ceferin openly criticized the revamped ESL shortly after its announcement. The ESL controversy dates back to April 2021, with 12 teams, including prominent English clubs, initially committing to the breakaway league. However, only Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to support the creation of a new European competition.
In response to widespread criticism of the new ESL plans and the collective disapproval from German, French, and English leagues, Ceferin mockingly anticipated a league with limited participation.
“I eagerly await the launch of their remarkable league, presumably involving just two teams,” he commented, also critiquing A22’s presentation as either shockingly or amusingly ambitious, and even more exclusive than the 2021 proposal, which was universally rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about European Super League
What is the new proposal for the European Super League (ESL)?
The new ESL proposal, backed by the organization A22, includes a league system with 64 men’s clubs and 32 women’s clubs, featuring an annual promotion and relegation system, without permanent members. This structure aims to be more open and meritocratic, running alongside domestic leagues without affecting them.
How does UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin view the new ESL proposals?
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has mocked the new ESL proposals, stating that football is not for sale and expressing skepticism about the league’s feasibility. He emphasized UEFA’s lack of intention to obstruct the ESL, though he suggested the league might have minimal participation.
What led to the change in the ESL’s format?
The change in the ESL’s format was influenced by widespread criticism and condemnation of the original plan, especially regarding its structure of permanent membership. The criticism led to the collapse of the original proposal within 72 hours, prompting the organizers to revise the format to include a promotion and relegation system.
How have domestic leagues and clubs reacted to the new ESL proposal?
Domestic leagues, including the Premier League, and clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich, have strongly opposed the new ESL proposal. They remain committed to traditional football structures and UEFA competitions, rejecting the concept of a breakaway league.
What does the European Court of Justice ruling mean for the ESL?
The European Court of Justice ruled that it is unlawful to ban clubs from joining the ESL. This ruling was seen as a significant development for the ESL, leading to the announcement of the revised plans. However, it also prompted UEFA to consider refining its regulations in response to the ruling.
More about European Super League
- European Super League Overview
- UEFA’s Stance on ESL
- European Court of Justice Ruling
- Football Community’s Reaction to ESL
- Revised ESL Format and Structure
- Domestic League Responses to ESL
- A22 and the New ESL Proposal
- History of the ESL Controversy
5 comments
so the new format’s got promotion and relegation? interesting, might not be as bad as the original idea but still, feels off from traditional football, idk
honestly, the focus should be on supporting local leagues and grassroots football, not these mega-money schemes that only benefit the top few clubs and organizations… just my 2 cents
did anyone realy think the super league would just disappear? these big clubs and orgs are all about the $$$, no surprise there…
wow, the ESL drama just keeps going! surprised uefa’s not more aggresive about it, like c’mon, its basically a football civil war at this point
all this talk but will the fans support it? that’s the real question, cause without fan support, the ESL is just a fancy concept with no real ground