News: Update from the European Super League

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Here we go again

New plans for a revamped European Super League (ESL) have been unveiled following a significant court decision. 

No To ESL protest
Picture from a banner protesting the European Super League in 2021

This latest court ruling declared it illegal to prevent clubs from joining an alternative league. The proposed league features 64 men's teams and 32 women's teams, posing a direct challenge to current UEFA competitions.

Manchester United, initially a key player in the original ESL concept but later withdrew amidst heavy criticism, has confirmed their ongoing commitment to UEFA tournaments. 

Despite the controversy, United's stance remains unchanged, emphasizing their dedication to working constructively with UEFA, the Premier League, and other clubs through the European Clubs Association for the betterment of European football.

Previous Super News articles on the European Super League

Remember the European Super League? (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Gossip: European Super League could be in place for 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

The legal battle started when the ESL and its supporters argued that UEFA and FIFA were violating competition law by penalizing clubs wanting to join the new league. However, this latest court ruling has paved the way for fresh proposals and opportunities for clubs to organize and manage their own European football competitions.

Presented by A22, the backers of the initial ESL, the new format suggests an annual promotion and relegation system without fixed membership. In a move likely to please fans, live matches would be available for free on a new digital streaming platform.

The ESL controversy first erupted in April 2021 when it emerged that 12 teams, including six top English clubs, had agreed to join the new league. The backlash was immediate and intense, involving fans, domestic leagues, and even the government, leading to the swift collapse of the original plans.

A22's new proposal envisions including Europe's leading clubs in both men's and women's football. The men's competition would feature three tiers – the Star League, the Gold League, and the Blue League. The top eight teams in each league would progress to knockout stages, culminating in finals at neutral venues. The bottom 20 teams in the Blue League face relegation, with the top clubs from domestic leagues replacing them. 

Promotion and relegation would also occur between the other tiers. The games are set to take place midweek, allowing the competition to run alongside domestic European leagues. A similar structure is proposed for the women's competition.

The original ESL plan fell apart when nine of the twelve clubs involved withdrew in 2021, and more recently, Juventus also pulled out. However, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to support the idea of a new European competition.

The crux of the matter is whether a European Super League can actually be launched. This judgement indicates a complex situation, with UEFA maintaining a significant advantage. Importantly, any new Super League would still require UEFA's authorization. Essentially, the ruling upholds the authority of the governing bodies and underscores the need to protect sporting merit legally.

Some of the best reaction to this

North End Soul commented on a news story of this breaking news. He said: "If this happens I am finished with Professional Football. Non League and Rugby League is where I will spend my money. Hope it ends up like the Saudi farce with 200 watching."

Aiden messaged us the following message on Facebook. He spoke about the impact this will have on matchgoing fans. Aiden said: "What I do know is that the fans will once again be priced out of the market, with tickets, shirts and no doubt the fragmented (and now) expensive TV/streaming services."

We'll have more news on this story as we get it. 

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