The European Super League (ESL) emerged as a controversial initiative in the world of football, proposed by some of Europe’s most influential clubs. It was envisioned as a rival to UEFA’s Champions League, with the intention of redefining European club football.
With the recent verdict going in favor of the competition kind of set the stage for its emergence in 2025. This a significant win for the teams not supplied with oil money.
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What steps had UEFA taken to prevent Super League from happening ?
Initially, the ESL included 12 of Europe’s top clubs, with Real Madrid and Barcelona being key proponents. Six English clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, along with other top clubs from Spain and Italy, were part of the announcement in 2021. PSG was also interested in the league as well I think. However, following a backlash from fans and football bodies, several clubs withdrew their support, with English clubs being among the first to back out.
Path to the Super League has not been an easy one. To prevent a direct rival from spawning, UEFA dragged the clubs to the court. The teams previously interested in the league all backed out except Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
However, a recent European union court of justice ruling allowed the ESL to proceed, stating that FIFA and UEFA restrictions against it were unlawful. This ruling has given new momentum to the ESL, potentially reshaping European football.
What is the format of the super league ?
The European Super League (ESL) has introduced a new format that significantly changes its structure and approach to European club football. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
Open Competition
Merit-Based: The competition is open to all, rewarding sporting merit. There are no permanent members, emphasizing performance-based participation.
Divisional Structure: Men
Three Divisions: The super league is divided into three divisions, with a total of 64 clubs participating.
Star League: Comprises 16 clubs, split into two groups.
Gold League: Also includes 16 clubs, divided into two groups.
Blue League: The largest division with 32 clubs, divided into four groups. Clubs qualify for this division based on their performance in national leagues. ex: La Liga, Bundesliga, etc.
Divisional Structure: Women
Two Divisions: The women’s format is a bit different consisting of two divisions:
Star league: Comprises 16 clubs, split into two groups.
Gold league: Also includes 16 clubs, divided into two groups.
Match Format
Each club will play a total of 14 matches in the league phase: 7 home games and 7 away games.
Manager reaction to super league.
Season Finale and Promotion
At the end of the season, there will be a knockout phase to determine the champions of each league and the clubs that will be promoted.
Financial and Broadcasting Aspects
Significant Revenue: All participating clubs are expected to receive substantial revenue, which is a key attraction of the ESL. UEFA is different in this case I think they provide only 20% of the revenue to the teams. I mean this numeric value kind of says why this was a necessary step for revival of football. Clubs in La Liga are not owned by oil rich sugar daddies.
Free Broadcasting: Matches will be broadcasted for free, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Joining Bonus: Rumors suggest that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are going to get about a billion euros each for staying loyal to this league when every other major European club backed out.
This new format of the ESL marks a significant shift from its initial proposal, focusing more on sporting merit and inclusivity, with a clear structure for promotions and relegations. The financial incentives and free broadcasting are strategic moves to enhance the league’s appeal and accessibility.
Reaction from UEFA
In regards to the court verdict on the Super League they released the following statement:
UEFA takes note of the judgment delivered today by the ECJ in the European Super League case. This ruling does not signify an endorsement or validation of the so-called ‘super league’; it rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA’s pre-authorisation framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022. UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules, and specifically that they comply with all relevant European laws and regulations.
UEFA remains resolute in its commitment to uphold the European football pyramid, ensuring that it continues to serve the broader interests of society. We will continue to shape the European sports model collectively with national associations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments and partners alike.
We trust that the solidarity-based European football pyramid that the fans and all stakeholders have declared as their irreplaceable model will be safeguarded against the threat of breakaways by European and national laws.
The statement consists of so called ‘over-confidence’ in personal view which shall vanish soon. Even the president looks way to confident.
Which teams have shown positive interest in the Super League ?
Other than FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Napoli is one of the big names that has shown some positive interest in the Super League.
Final Thoughts
Well with the recent events happening, it kind projects the scenario that the idea has been approved now comes the difficult part the implementation and getting the other teams and leagues on-board the competition. Interesting times ahead for sure.
