The initial plans for a separate Super League faced immense backlash upon their reveal in April 2021.
Recently, a reworked concept for a debated European Super League has resurfaced, following a pivotal court ruling that deemed the prevention of clubs joining such a league as illegal.
This revised plan introduces a league structure encompassing 64 men’s teams across three divisions, with team selection based on performance rather than permanent membership.
The women’s league is proposed to include 32 teams, divided into two leagues.
Details regarding participating clubs or potential prize money have not yet been disclosed in this proposal.
This development arose after the ESL and its financial supporters challenged Uefa and Fifa, accusing them of violating competition laws by penalizing clubs interested in the independent league.
On a recent Thursday, Europe’s top court ruled against the football authorities, stating that this doesn’t automatically validate a separate league.
However, the decision has paved the way for new proposals and gives clubs the opportunity to develop and control their own European football competitions.
A22, the entity behind the original ESL idea, has now presented a new plan which includes a yearly system of promotion and relegation.
Additionally, fans could enjoy live streaming of matches at no cost through a newly proposed digital platform.
Reacting to the European Court of Justice’s verdict, the Football Supporters Association commented, criticizing the ESL concept as poorly thought-out and unwelcome among fans, players, and clubs. They emphasized the desire for a competition based on merit, not one predetermined in boardrooms, labeling the ESL as the “European Zombie League.”
They also noted that the impending independent regulator would bar any club from national competitions if they participate in a separate super league.
The European Clubs Association clarified that the court’s judgment doesn’t support or advocate for any Super League project, underscoring the importance of football as a social, not just legal, contract. They reaffirmed the united front of European and global football stakeholders against any attempts to undermine the sport’s core values.
The ESL controversy initiated in April 2021 with the announcement that 12 teams, including six prominent English clubs, had agreed to join the breakaway league. The uproar from fans, leagues, and governments was immediate, leading to the plan’s rapid dissolution.
Revamped European Super League proposal – What’s the new format?
A22’s new proposal details a competition involving Europe’s elite clubs in both men’s and women’s football.
In the men’s league, the highest tiers, named the Star League and Gold League, would each house 16 teams. The Blue League, the lowest tier, would feature 32 teams, with promotion and relegation amongst the tiers.
The top eight teams from each league would advance to knockout stages, culminating in neutral-venue finals after two-leg quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The last 20 teams in the Blue League would drop out of the competition, replaced by the best-performing clubs from European domestic leagues.
Promotions and relegations would also occur based on the final standings in the Gold and Blue leagues, as well as the Star and Gold leagues.
The matches are planned for midweek slots, allowing this new competition to run alongside existing European domestic leagues.
The proposed women’s competition mirrors the men’s format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about European Super League Proposal
What is the Revamped European Super League Proposal?
The revamped proposal for the European Super League involves a league system of 64 men’s clubs across three tiers and a women’s competition with 32 clubs across two leagues. Participation is based on sporting merit, with no permanent members. The plan follows a court ruling that deemed banning clubs from joining such a league as unlawful.
How Does the New European Super League Structure Work?
In the men’s competition, there will be the Star League and Gold League, each with 16 teams, and the Blue League with 32 teams. Promotion and relegation will occur between these tiers. The top eight teams in each league will enter knockout stages. The women’s competition will follow a similar model.
What Was the Reaction to the European Super League Proposal?
The proposal has been met with criticism and opposition. The Football Supporters Association has condemned it, emphasizing the importance of merit-based competition. The European Clubs Association stated that the court’s decision does not endorse a Super League, underscoring football as a social contract.
What Led to the Revival of the European Super League Idea?
The revival came after a court ruling stated that preventing clubs from joining such a league was illegal. This ruling led to the introduction of new proposals and allowed clubs to consider organizing their own European football competitions.
How Will the European Super League Affect Domestic Football Leagues?
Matches in the proposed Super League are planned to be played midweek, allowing the competition to run concurrently with domestic leagues. However, an incoming independent regulator could block clubs from domestic competitions if they join a breakaway super league.
More about European Super League Proposal
- European Super League Controversy
- Breakaway Football League Debate
- European Court of Justice Ruling on ESL
- Fan Reaction to Super League Plans
- European Clubs Association Statement on ESL
- History of the European Super League Proposal
3 comments
The legal aspect is fascinating, but i doubt UEFA and FIFA will just sit back. Expect more court battles ahead folks!
Interesting to see the structure they’re proposing, but can’t see fans getting behind this. Too much drama, not enough football…
the court’s decision, thats huge! but does anyone actually want this league?? seems like a cash grab to me…