The controversial European Super League (ESL) project is being revived with a new structure that will be based on sporting performance, not permanent membership, according to Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22 Sports Management.
Speaking to German outlet Die Welt, Reichart emphasized that the redesigned league would eliminate the concept of founding clubs with guaranteed spots — a major point of contention in the failed 2021 proposal.
“European football’s foundations are in danger of collapsing. It’s time to make a change,” Reichart said.
“Football clubs bear most of the entrepreneurial risk but are often powerless when it comes to critical decisions that affect their sporting and financial future.”
What Would the New Super League Look Like?
•60 to 80 clubs participating based on domestic league performance
•Each club guaranteed a minimum of 14 matches per season
•Clubs would continue competing in their national leagues
•A22 has proposed 10 guiding principles, including merit-based access, financial solidarity, and support for women’s football
The revived ESL comes after the original 2021 proposal, backed by 12 elite clubs, collapsed within 48 hours due to intense backlash from fans, football authorities, and governments. Six Premier League clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur — quickly pulled out.
However, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus have continued to advocate for the concept, arguing that European football’s current structure is financially unsustainable for top clubs.
Legal Battle and Pushback
A22’s renewed efforts come as legal challenges to UEFA and FIFA’s monopoly on European football continue. In a December 2022 opinion, an advocate general of the European Court of Justice found that UEFA and FIFA’s rules were not in breach of EU competition law, siding with football’s governing bodies.
A final ruling from the court’s 15-member Grand Chamber is expected this spring and could have major implications for any future breakaway competitions.
Wider Reforms and Opposition
While A22 claims it has held “open and constructive” dialogues with stakeholders across Europe, key football figures remain opposed. La Liga president Javier Tebas harshly criticized the new plans on social media:
“The Super League is the wolf disguised as a granny, trying to deceive European football. The format only benefits the big clubs.”
In response to the ESL threat and ongoing demands for reform, UEFA approved sweeping changes to its flagship competitions starting in the 2024–25 season. The Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League will all adopt a single-league group phase with 36 teams, increased matchdays, and more opportunities for qualification through domestic performance.
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