European Super League: Organizer Believes Fans and Clubs Can Be Persuaded to Support New Proposals
The architect behind the controversial 2021 European Super League (ESL), A22, believes it can garner support from both fans and clubs for a renewed breakaway European competition. Following the European Court of Justice’s recent ruling that prohibiting clubs from joining the league was unlawful, A22 promptly unveiled a revised ESL proposal. While UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin dismisses the new plan, A22 remains optimistic about its potential success.
In 2021, 12 teams initially signed up for the ESL, aiming to rival UEFA competitions. However, widespread backlash from fans, supporter groups, domestic leagues, and even governments led to the swift collapse of the proposed league within 72 hours. The European Court of Justice’s recent ruling, deeming the ban on clubs joining the league as unlawful, has opened the door for a revamped ESL.
A22’s chief executive, Bernd Reichart, revealed that the new proposal envisions a league system featuring 64 men’s clubs and 32 women’s clubs. Significantly, the plan introduces an annual promotion and relegation system with no permanent members, differentiating it from the original ESL. Reichart emphasized that the proposed league would coexist with domestic leagues, ensuring that national leagues remain untouched.
Ceferin, on the other hand, expressed skepticism about the new proposals, stating that “football is not for sale.” He sarcastically mentioned looking forward to watching a two-team tournament and affirmed that UEFA would not attempt to impede A22’s efforts, allowing them to create whatever they desire.
Addressing the primary criticism of the original ESL, Reichart noted that the proposed league is open, accessible, and meritocratic. He believes that the absence of permanent membership addresses the concerns raised by critics, especially in the UK. The chief executive refrained from disclosing the clubs interested in the new proposal, emphasizing the need to avoid dividing the football community.
Reichart argued that if clubs and their fans are convinced, there is no reason why supporters would not rally behind the new initiative. He highlighted the importance of transparency and the absence of fear of sanctions, allowing clubs to contribute to the proposal openly. The new format prioritizes players’ health and aligns with the current football calendar without increasing the number of matchdays.
Moreover, Reichart suggested that the revamped ESL could offer opportunities to smaller clubs that are performing well, citing La Liga leaders Girona as an example. He explained how such clubs could participate in the European dream from the first match to the last match, playing 14 games in the proposed format.
Despite A22’s optimism, domestic leagues across Europe, including the Premier League, swiftly condemned the new project. The Premier League issued a statement reiterating its rejection of any such concept, emphasizing the importance of supporters and their opposition to a breakaway competition.
Top football clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, reiterated their commitment to UEFA competitions. Bayern Munich also affirmed that the door for the Super League remains closed. These clubs, initially involved in the 2021 ESL, withdrew their support following widespread condemnation.
Ceferin views the ECJ ruling as an opportunity to improve regulations and address criticisms of changes made to the Champions League format. While acknowledging the decision, he emphasized that UEFA has made improvements in its rules since the ESL was first proposed.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of the European Clubs Association (ECA), downplayed the significance of the ECJ decision, stating that it is not a victory. He emphasized that UEFA is working on enhancing security, medical aspects, and competition reforms. Al-Khelaifi asserted that UEFA competitions remain the best in the world, maintaining that there is no need to threaten or banish anyone.
In a final jab, Ceferin expressed skepticism about the viability of A22’s new proposal, suggesting that the presentation was even more closed than the 2021 ESL, which was rejected by everyone. He quipped that he hoped A22 would start its “fantastic competition” with just two clubs, highlighting the challenges ahead for the proposed breakaway league.
