The recent announcement by A22 Sports, the backer of the European Super League, has once again ignited a heated debate in the world of football. In response to a European court ruling that found UEFA’s rules on new competitions to be “unlawful,” A22 Sports has put forward its updated proposals for a Champions League replacement. CEO Bernd Reichart outlined plans for a three-league, 64-club men’s competition, as well as a two-league, 32-club women’s competition, which would replace the current UEFA Champions League and Women’s Champions League. While some prominent figures, such as Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Barcelona president Joan Laporta, have expressed support for the A22 plans, opposition from various organizations and leagues remains strong.
Unsurprisingly, the players’ union FIFPRO, along with UEFA, FIFA, and the European Club Association (ECA), have once again positioned themselves against the creation of a new Europe-wide club competition. Additionally, several major leagues, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Ligue 1, as well as influential clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich, have reiterated their refusal to endorse the Super League concept. In a clear statement, the Premier League emphasized its rejection of the Super League and its commitment to participating in UEFA competitions while maintaining positive cooperation with UEFA, the ECA, and fellow clubs. Bayern Munich echoed these sentiments, asserting that such a competition would undermine the importance of national leagues and the structure of European football.
A22 Sports has proposed the launch of a new sports streaming platform to broadcast the Super League matches. The key selling point of this proposal is that all matches would be available for free to fans, with revenue generated through advertisements, premium subscriptions, and sponsorships. The men’s Super League would consist of two main leagues, the “Star” and “Gold” leagues, each comprising 16 clubs. Additionally, a larger “Blue League” made up of 32 clubs would also be established. Promotion and relegation between these leagues would be determined based on domestic league performance. Clubs would compete in groups of eight, playing home and away matches, with a minimum of 14 fixtures per year, primarily scheduled for midweek. At the end of each season, an eight-club knockout stage would determine the champions of each league.
Naturally, this proposed format has faced staunch opposition from prominent leagues and federations. The German Football League (DFL), which oversees the Bundesliga, explicitly supports the existing European sports model and rejects any competitions beyond those organized by official federations and leagues. Ligue 1 in France has also made it clear that it unequivocally supports competitions organized by UEFA. The reaction from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has been resolute, stating that “Football is not for sale.” These statements reflect the determination of these established organizations to preserve the existing football ecosystem and maintain the integrity of European football.
A22 Sports has made efforts to address concerns raised by various stakeholders in football. The proposed women’s Super League would mirror the format of the men’s competition, with two main leagues, “Star” and “Gold,” each comprising 16 clubs. A22 Sports has guaranteed income for the first three years of the Super League’s operation, and “solidarity payments” would form 8% of the league’s income, with a minimum payment of €400 million ($439m). The group claims that these proposals are the result of extensive dialogue with fans, players, clubs, and leagues over the course of two years.
As the debate surrounding the European Super League continues, the future of European football hangs in the balance. The conflicting opinions of various stakeholders highlight the complex nature of the issue and the challenges of finding a consensus. While A22 Sports presents an alternative vision for the future of European club competitions, the opposition from established leagues and organizations suggests a significant uphill battle. Ultimately, the fate of the European Super League will be decided through ongoing discussions and negotiations, as the football world grapples with the tensions between tradition and innovation.
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