European Super League Creators Roll Out Updated Format
The creators of the controversial European Super League announced an updated format for their competition earlier today. In place of the UEFA Champions League, the three-league, 64-team proposal has been boosted slightly after a European court ruled UEFA’s attempted restrictions against it as unlawful. Despite this, there are still many detractors across the continent.
The main supporters of the project are in Spain. Team Presidents for El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid have both publicly expressed support for the ambitious project. It’s worth noting that both clubs, Barca in particular, have experienced severe financial struggles since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Culers President Joan Laporta previously justified the ESL as a response to the growing financial strength of the Premier League.
A22 Sports is the backer of the competition. Chief Executive Bernd Reichart said that income for the first three years would be guaranteed, which is a potential explanation for why financially troubled clubs like Barca and Real would be interested. The format also includes a women’s competition that features two leagues and 32 clubs.
Going Nowhere?
There is still an overwhelming majority of teams and leagues that are vehemently against the Super League. The Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Ligue 1 have all reiterated their faith in the current setup and UEFA’s plans for the future. Furthermore, clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich released statements denying A22’s plans.
Ironically enough, those two powerhouses were among the initial founding clubs before significant fan backlash prompted them to disengage. Italian giant Juventus had stayed with the El Clasico teams in continuing the plans but eventually also withdrew earlier this Summer. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had a simple response for the news: “Football is not for sale.”
The European Super League is still fighting for it’s life, but it has a long way to go. A court ruling means it can still exist, but for now as only a concept.
