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      Fury over revamped European Super League as it’s revealed four new divisions would be based on EU flag

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      FOUR divisions for a new 96-club European Super League would be inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue and Union.Promoter A22 Sports yesterday unveiled its format for a “Unify League” and said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement.Footie fans slammed a plot to revive the hated European Super League, above protesters outside Stamford Bridge in 2021Credit: GettyFour divisions would be inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue and UnionCredit: AlamyMadrid-based A22 is backed by Real Madrid, its chief Florentio Perez and Barcelona, above Jude Bellingham during a UEFA Champions League matchCredit: GettyThe firm’s previous plan for a closed 20-team league folded in April 2021 amid a fan backlash — as reported by The Sun.But A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.An A22 spokesperson confirmed last night: “The names of the leagues are named after the EU Flag/Flag of the Council of Europe.“The Unify proposal is aligned with the principles of the European Union and compliant with its laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is open to all clubs from across the 55 countries.”Teams would earn a place on merit and not be guaranteed entry.Games would be streamed free on a direct-to-fan Unify platform, with viewers likely to pay a ­subscription to go ad-free.But one fan blasted: “They’ve used an EU ruling as the justification, and now the flag seems to have inspired the leagues. It stinks.”Most read in FootballA senior Uefa figure called the plan “bulls***t” and “a Christmas pantomime”.Tim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters Trust, added: “We utterly condemn these proposals and are against any breakaway or super leagues.”Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs Man City He urged the football regulator currently being set up by the UK government to block the proposal.Top Unify League division Star would involve 16 clubs in two pools of eight.Second league Gold would be the same. The remaining 64 teams would be in Blue and Union divisions.Each of those would be split into four pools of eight.A women’s competition would run alongside.Madrid-based A22 is backed by Real Madrid, its chief Florentino Perez, and Barcelona.A22 CEO Bernd Reichart said the Unify League aimed to address challenges such as increased TV subscription costs, an overloaded calendar, insufficient investment in women’s football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of current competitions.We utterly condemn these proposals and are against any breakaway or super leaguesTim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters TrustHe cited the ECJ 2023 ruling that states “any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established”.Mr Reichart said A22 had consulted with clubs, leagues and other groups.But Arsenal fan Mr Payton said: “I don’t believe they’ve had any meaningful discussions with supporter groups.“We have pushed Arsenal in our meetings with them since the Super League — and they always tell us they are committed to the existing structures and competitive balance.“We would urge the club to ­condemn and ignore moves like this. “It is a breakaway and being proposed by people outside the FA, Premier League and Uefa structure.BOWING TO FAT CATSBy Will Barker, Sun newsman and Villa fanJUST when you thought the greedy clubs had learnt their lesson from the last Super League chaos, here comes another crazy idea.And this time, the EU has laid out the red carpet for fat cat clubs to sponge even more money off fans.My team, Villa, have been battling since the very start of the Champions League to hear the famous anthem played at Villa Park. Previous memories of 1982 when we won the European Cup are all faded now.But now we have been able to experience first hand what a great competition it is rather than jealously watch our Premier League rivals from afar. Incredibly, Villa have had a great run in the tournament so far — even beating giants Bayern Munich, which led to some of the wildest celebrations in the Midlands I’ve seen for years.Football is about the fans. It isn’t about the rich owners and it certainly isn’t about the politicians in Brussels, who need to get their hands off our great game.”They are badging it up as being a bit more competitive but it’s still a breakaway and propagated by Real Madrid and Barcelona.”Manchester United fan and football writer Andy Mitten added: “I don’t think this is a goer and it seems to be being pushed by Real Madrid. “I am not in favour.”The first European Super League plan guaranteed entry to 12 rebel clubs including the Prem Big Six, above Liverpool star Mohamed SalahCredit: GettyManchester City ace Phil Foden copetes in the UEFA Champions LeagueCredit: GettySpurs fan Doug Sanders wrote online: “Just no! “It is clear that player injuries are increasing due to the fixture lists, leaving hardly any free time during the year.“This is solely about making money for A22. “I suppose this would be televised on another obscure channel that fans would need a separate contract for.”One supporter said: “Perez doesn’t take no for an answer, does he?”Another added: “No one wants this. “Stop this nonsense now.”No one wants this. Stop this nonsense nowOne supporterAnd a third wrote: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. “As useless as the new World Club Cup.“Stop trying to please faceless clubs. “Fans want competitive local football.”The new format could involve up to ten Premier League teams compared to four in this year’s Champions League, two in the Europa League and one in the Conference League.The Premier League would have three teams in Star, two in Gold and up to five further teams across the remaining divisions.The first Super League plan guaranteed entry to 12 rebel clubs including the Prem’s Big Six — Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Man Utd.All positions in the Unify League would be earned by domestic performances in the previous season.A22 envisages 14 league phase games being played between September and April.The top four in each group would then reach a two-legged quarter- final, with the winners progressing to a “final four” week of one-off matches to decide the competition.It means footballers, already ­complaining of burnout, would face playing even more games. No ­formal start date has been set but it is understood A22 hopes to launch in September 2026.The prize fund is yet to be confirmed but A22 promises £330million in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current fund of £2billion for the Champions League, and £700million for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Measures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.The Premier League, Uefa and UK teams have not commented.But clubs are likely to be mindful of angry fan reaction. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 thousands flocked to demonstrations at Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd.They let off smoke bombs, called for club owners who had backed plans to go and branded the proposed format the “Super Greed”.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it. 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      How does the Unify League work?

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      THREE years after the Super League was canned following a severe fan-led backlash, a rebranded version called the Unify League has been put forward by promoters A22.Here’s everything you need to know about the newly proposed competition and how it would work.Fan protests scuppered the proposed Super LeagueHow does the Unify League work?The Unify League, a rebranded version of the European Super League, is a proposed football competition aiming to challenge UEFA’s Champions League.Unlike the widely panned Super League, which would have seen 12 breakaway rebels — including the Premier League’s Big Six — guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.The Unify League would consist of 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.Qualification would be similar to the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.read more on the unify leagueHow does the Unify League work?A NEW version of the European Super League has been proposed – now branded as the Unify League. Here’s all you need to know about how it works…Who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.What’s the format?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.FormatThe 96 clubs would be divided into four tiers:Star League: 16 teamsGold League: 16 teamsBlue League: 32 teamsUnion League: 32 teamsThe top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.Most read in FootballThe bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight, who would also play each other home and away.Knockout stagesThe top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final In the Star and Gold leagues.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatIn Blue and Union, the top two teams from each group would make up the quarter-finalists.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one-off matches, played on a neutral ground, providing the champions of the four different leagues.Throughout the competition, the winning side would play a total of 18 matches.Promotion & relegationAnnual promotion and relegation would occur between the leagues.Promotion into the Blue League would be based on domestic league performance.A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League. Up to five further slots for Premier League teams would be spread across the remaining pair.Women’s competitionA women’s competition would run alongside the men’s.However it would feature two leagues instead of four — just the Star and Gold Leagues.Start date & prizesWhile no formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed, but A22 promises £330m in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total prize fund is expected to exceed the current £2bn for the Champions League and £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Unify streaming platformThe Unify League would be streamed through a branded Unified platform, accessible via an app, which would feature:Live match streamingFree-to-watch matches with advertisingA subscription option to eliminate ads and access premium featuresHighlights, match insights, analysis and club-specific contentInteractive fan community featuresStreaming for both men’s and women’s matchesChallengesThe December 2023 ruling from the European Courts stated that Uefa’s attempts to stop a breakaway tournament went against EU law, potentially paving the way for the Unify League.Despite this ruling, the Unify League faces significant hurdles:Premier League clubs are currently unable to join due to UK government legislation.The proposal still needs official recognition and approval from various football governing bodies.There is likely to be continued resistance from fans and traditional football institutions.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Unify League represents a bold attempt to reshape European football, offering a new competition structure and innovative streaming model.However, its success will depend on overcoming substantial regulatory, legal and cultural obstacles in the football world.Will the Unify League get off the ground?By Martin LiptonThe biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the current Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there are a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of football. 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      Unify League latest reaction LIVE: Fallout as European Super League RELAUNCHED and set to rival Champions League

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      THE European Super League is set to be RELAUNCHED with a whole new format as organisers battle for it to rival the Champions League once again.Unlike the first and widely criticised Super League concept, which saw the 12 breakaway rebels – including the Prem Big Six – guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.The Unify League would consist of 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.Qualification would be similar to the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.There would be four leagues – Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight -they would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballThe winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one-off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League – and two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.No formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.Follow ALL the latest reaction from our live blog belowThe Unify League would need to pass FOUR Uefa tests The Unify League would need to pass four tests — administrative and financial, sporting and technical, ethical, and sporting merit — to be approved. Having sporting merit approved would mean securing the agreement of European Leagues and the European Club Association (ECA), both of which have been strongly opposed to the concept.A22 said it has been involved in consultation with clubs across Europe, including in the Premier League, and that teams would qualify via their domestic competitions.Copy linkCopiedUefa say the Unify League won’t replace Champions LeagueUefa insiders insist there is almost no chance of the Unify League replacing the Champions League, which was this season revamped with a 36-team, single-league format replacing the old group stage. According to The Times, one senior figure described the latest plan as “bulls***” and a “Christmas pantomime”.Copy linkCopiedHow many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.Copy linkCopiedHow does the Unify League work and who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.The top two leagues would be called the Star League and the Gold League, with 16 teams in both divisions, divided into two groups of eight.The third and fourth divisions would be named the Blue League and Union League.In the final eight, made up of two teams from each of the four groups in the top two leagues, would consist of two-legged quarter finals, followed by one-legged semi finals at a neutral venue in the same week as the final. It is reported that there would then be 14 group stage fixtures, with the winners playing 18 games in total.The Blue and Union Leagues would work in the same way. Copy linkCopiedPremier League silent on European Super League relaunchUnlike three years ago, when the so-called Big Six, agreed to join the ESL before backing out almost immediately after backlash, this time no Prem club has offered a comment on the relaunch.Only Real Madrid and Barcelona are thought to have confirmed their entry if Uefa accept A22’s proposal.We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open…Click here for everything you need to know about the Unify League.Copy linkCopiedHow will A22 Sports Management Company fund the Unify League?In terms of how A22 intends to fund the Unify League, its big idea remains the creation of a global streaming platform, called Unify.The service would offer fans the chance to watch these games for free, with adverts, or without adverts for a fee.Many industry experts question whether this is economically feasible, although UK-based sports streamer DAZN and Fifa have just announced that this is the business model they are trying for next summer’s Club World Cup.Coincidence? Manchester United fans protested against the idea of a European Super League in 2021Copy linkCopiedWhy many believe the new Unify League will be acceptedMadrid-based A22 Sports believes that the governing bodies will have no choice but to grant it permission to try to establish this league.It comes after last December’s landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice ruled that the response by Uefa and Fifa to the original European Super League proposal in 2021 breached European Union law.A22 believe neither body can impose any preemptive punishments on clubs interested in the idea.Its 2021 plan of creating a 20-team league, with 15 permanent members has been erased.And replaced with a four-league format of 64 clubs.A22 is confident its new proposal addresses the biggest criticism it received in 2021 from fans across Europe, but particularly in the UK.Fans fumed over the 2021 plans radical departure from decades of tradition, where European football is something clubs earn via their performances in domestic leagues.It also believes that many clubs are unhappy with the so-called Swiss model that Uefa has introduced to all three of its club competitions this season and they want complete control.Copy linkCopiedHow will the top two leagues (Star and Gold) work?Copy linkCopiedBack to basics of the Unify League (as per promoters A22)Copy linkCopiedFans mock Unify League’s marketingOne supporter wrote on X: “The Unify League is arguably the worst named product I’ve ever seen. “You went back to the drawing board after you was shut down by fans and clubs and came up with this??”A second said: “This has got to be the worst name 😂😂😂.”A third chimed in: “Regardless of thoughts about the tournament, whoever came up with the re-branding should be fired.”Never going to take a league called the unify league seriously. Sounds worse than Carabao Cup 🤣🤣.”Another added: “It remains a very stupid idea purely driven by greed.”Copy linkCopiedHow will each group work?Rankings and number of teams per domestic league are best on a European competition co-efficient.Swiss Football DataCopy linkCopiedFootball lovers say Unify League is a ‘waste of time’One fan wrote on X: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. As useless as the new World Club Cup. Stop trying to please faceless clubs.”A second added: “How do people expect all these games to be played seriously??”While another said: “Good riddance to the Super League. European clubs are just jealous of the money in the Premier League.”A fourth fumed: “When in the current 11 month calendar is this debacle going to be played? “It’s not worth the paper the proposal is printed on.”One more wrote: “Are traditional rivalries now ready for prime time bonding events?”Copy linkCopiedA22: “Disputes are counterproductive”A detailed letter from A22, promoters of the Unify League, to Uefa General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis, asks to “move forward collaboratively”. Critics of the new format remain, with one club calling the relaunch “a Perez pantomime”.Copy linkCopiedWhat clubs have agreed to be in European Super League?Spanish titans Real Madrid and Barcelona have committed themselves to the European Super League.And they are the driving force behind A22 – the group behind the controversial league.Madrid President Florentino Perez rubber-stamped his clubs backing of the competition.Copy linkCopiedHere’s what’s different this time:Open Access: No automatic spots for big clubs. All 96 teams must qualify annually.Four-Tier Format: The top two tiers, “Star League” and “Gold League,” each have 16 teams in two groups of 8. Teams play 14 group matches, with the top 8 advancing to the knockout stages.Streaming-First Approach: Matches will stream on a “Unified” app. Fans can watch for free (with ads) or pay for an ad-free experience – similar to Spotify’s model.Legal Backing: Organisers @A22Sports, linked to Real Madrid’s president, believe Uefa is legally obliged to permit the competition after a December 2023 EU court ruling.Copy linkCopiedWill the Unify League be accepted by Uefa?The European Super League company and A22 will now seek permission from Uefa to move forward with plans.They anticipate that the plans will be PASSED THROUGH.This is thanks to the December 2023 ruling from the European Courts that stated that Uefa went against EU law with their attempts to stop a breakaway tournament.Copy linkCopiedThe original Super League vs this new idea: The differenceFollowing a huge backlash, A22 Sports, the Madrid-based company behind the original idea in 2021, was made to drop the initial project.It initially involved a 20-team league with 15 permanent members including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.Now, following 12 months of consultation, they are proposing a four-league format – divisions known as Star, Gold, Blue and Union.96 clubs who would qualify via performance in their domestic league. There would be 16 teams in the top two tiers and 32 each in the other two.Copy linkCopiedWill the Unify League get off the ground?SunSport’s Martin Lipton assesses whether the Unify League will actually happen…The biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there’s a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of footballCopy linkCopiedWhat’s the format of the relaunched European Super League?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.Copy linkCopiedWho will play in the Unify League?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.Copy linkCopiedWhat is the Unify League in basic terms?22 Sports have rebranded the European Super League and called it the ‘Unify League’.This new format will have an annual qualification and there will be FOUR groups.They have redesigned the proposal to address the criticisms of its predecessor.Teams will play between September – April, alongside domestic football competitions and leagues.Copy linkCopiedFans slam “toxic” Real Madrid owner One raging footie lover wrote on X: “Florentino Perez is a mad man. He’s a cancer on modern day football.”A second said: “Y’all just creating a whole lot of nonsense for fun at this point.”A third added: “At this point you have to question Real Madrid’s influence in all of this. Why is the owner so toxic?”A fourth fumed: “Just f*** off. I thought we were done with this s***!”Copy linkCopiedWhat is A22 Sports Management?The Madrid-based company was specifically created in September 2022 with the aim of pushing through legislation for the European Super League in the aftermath of the failed attempt in 2021.The firm was created in tandem by Euro powerhouses Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus who were the loudest proponents of the breakaway league.Juventus left the project after they were threatened with expulsion from the Champions League, although are still believed to be supportive of it.Copy linkCopiedNew ESL will be free to watchAccording to A22, the new European Super League would be free for fans to watch.It will be streamed on new platform called “Unify”.Unify is the proposal for a state-of-the-art digital streaming platform.A22 Sports’ official website wrote: “We will democratise football by allowing fans everywhere to watch new European Super League games for free.”A22 Sports also suggest subscription tiers would also be offered for those who prefer to view matches with minimal advertising while enjoying advanced features such as favourite camera angles, live match data and other interactive options.They add: “Distribution partnerships with broadcasters, streaming services, clubs and content providers will also be an important component of the Unify experience to ensure ease of access for fans.”Copy linkCopiedIf accepted by Uefa and Fifa, when will the Unify League launch?While no formal start date has been set, Sun Sport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.Copy linkCopied More

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      European Super League is BACK in new £2.7BILLION ‘Unify League’ format… and it could replace Champions League

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      A NEW version of the breakaway Super League has been launched.More than three years after the original idea crashed and burned in the space of 48 hours after a fan-led backlash, scheme promoters A22 have returned with a concept that answers many of the initial problems.Fans protested the previous Super League proposalCredit: APThe protests were successful in stopping the plans coming to fruitionCredit: GettyUnder the new model, named “The Unify League”, 96 teams in total would take part.There would be 16 teams, split into two groups of eight and playing each opponent home and away, in both the top tier Star League and the secondary Gold League.Follow the LATEST REACTION to the Unify LeagueThen two further competitions – Blue and Union – would each have FOUR leagues of eight clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the elite competition, with two places in the second one and up to five further slots across the remaining pair.Unlike the first and widely criticised Super League concept, which saw the 12 breakaway rebels – including the Prem Big Six – guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.Two places in the Star League, and seven in Gold, will be earned through a series of play-off rounds, with the winners of the two competitions earning automatic places in the top tier for the following season.A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April.Most read in FootballThe top four in each group would then reach a two-legged quarter-final stage, with the winners progressing to a “final four” week of one-off matches to provide the winners.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow does the Unify League work?A NEW version of the European Super League has been proposed – now branded as the Unify League. Here’s all you need to know about how it works…Who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.What’s the format?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.While no formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed but A22 – which is firmly linked to the ambitions of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez – promise £330m in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries while the total prize pot is expected to exceed the current fund of £2bn for the Champions League and £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatThe new overall title of the four competitions is a nod to the plan to show matches on a direct-to-fan streaming service called the Unify platform.While fans will have to sign up, there will be two versions available – an advertisement-supported free portal to watch games plus a subscription service with extra features.A22 said it will “dramatically improve the viewing experience at home by eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions while offering fans the advanced features they have come to expect and directly connect clubs with their global fanbase”.The launch comes as A22 said it had made a formal submission to Uefa and Fifa to “obtain official recognition for its new cross-border European club football competitions”.The Madrid-based company cited the December 2023 ruling of the European Court of Justice which stated that “any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established”.A22 representatives have criss-crossed Europe to talk to clubs in the aftermath of the failure of the first project – which saw then-PM Boris Johnson promise a “legislative bombshell” to prevent English clubs from joining.Measures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included as part of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run – in much the same way as the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said: “A22 is focused on ensuring the sustainable growth and development of football.“Our extensive engagement with key stakeholders revealed a number of pressing challenges facing the sport including increasing subscription costs for fans, an overloaded player calendar, insufficient investment in women’s football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of the current pan-European competitions.“Our proposal is designed to directly address these challenges.”Will the Unify League get off the ground?By Martin LiptonThe biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the current Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there are a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of football.Fans remain sceptical of the idea and have voiced their concerns.One said: “Perez doesn’t take no for an answer, does he???”Another added: “Rubbish, no-one wants this. Stop this nonsense now.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third wrote: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. As useless as the new World Club Cup. Stop trying to please faceless clubs. Fans wants competitive local football.”And another commented: “At least the Super League sounded good. This is awful marketing.” More

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      How Chelsea & Forest are ripping up the script of how to run a football club… just don’t try to make sense of it

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      IT’S time to forget everything we thought we knew about how to run a football club.Forget stability, forget continuity, forget financial prudence, forget carefully-targeted player recruitment, forget inspirational managerial appointments.Chelsea chief Todd Boehly has splashed out over £1billion on signingsCredit: RexEvangelos Marinakis has turned Nottingham Forest into top-four contendersCredit: GettyJust tear everything to shreds, sell everyone, then max out the credit card by buying footballers.Dozens and dozens of footballers. Not just one new squad of players but two or three squads’ worth.Buy so many footballers that they can’t all fit into the dressing room at your training ground.Already got seven elite wingers? If another one becomes available, go and buy an eighth. You only live once.Read More on FootballBecause Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are the two great overachievers of this Premier League season — the Blues just two points off the summit and Forest in the Champions League places, above Manchester City.Both clubs have spent like sailors piddling it up on shore leave.If you have previously received the impressions from this column — or pretty much anywhere else in the media — that Chelsea’s Todd Boehly is a clueless American muppet, your mind must be playing tricks on you. Boehly always was a football genius.The nine-year contracts for unproven players. The knifing of more managers than Roman Abramovich. The transfer-window trolley dashes. Genius, all of it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd any ideas you had that Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis was a panic-buying shopaholic — a wild conspiracy theorist who hired that bloke off Gladiators to rumble referees — must have been the product of your own overactive imagination.Here is a big cuddly Greek Santa, laden with gifts and leading Forest into the promised land.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordSince Boehly and his Clearlake crew purchased Chelsea in the summer of 2022, the club has signed 45 players for a total of £1.3billion.Since Forest won promotion to the Premier League that same summer, they have got more than 40 players for a combined total in the region of £300million.And at both clubs, somehow, it’s working.At the age of 33, Forest’s Kiwi striker Chris Wood is the new Erling Haaland. Chelsea star Cole Palmer was Pep Guardiola’s blind spot.Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho are more effective than any winger currently on Manchester United’s books.The Premier League is a madhouse. To succeed, join the stark-raving lunatics, as Chelsea and Forest have done.Understated managersWhat both clubs needed, it turns out, was an understated, unheralded manager to sift through the shopping, to settle on a core squad, to play ball with eccentric owners and coach a bloody good football team.Neither Enzo Maresca nor Nuno Espirito Santo were wildly popular appointments.Maresca had led Leicester to the Championship title but was nobody’s first choice to succeed Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Yet the Italian was 20/20 in his vision of Chelsea’s best team, ruthless in his pre-season squad-slashing and he is now presiding over a premature vindication of Boehly’s seemingly-unhinged regime.Nuno, after his car-crash reign at Tottenham, replaced Forest’s promotion-winning Messiah Steve Cooper to a chorus of shrugs, just before the club would be deducted four points for breaching PSR last season. The Portuguese boss with the charisma bypass is the polar opposite of Brian Clough. Yet he is threatening to become the best of Forest’s 29 managers since the exit of Old Big ’Ead.Enzo Maresca is proving his doubters wrong alreadyCredit: GettyDon’t make sense of itSimilarly to Maresca, it’s been a case of clearing dead wood from the Forest, seeing the Chris Wood for the Tricky Trees.Of course, this is a snapshot in time. Nobody expects Forest to play in the Champions League next season and nobody expects Chelsea to win the title this term.There are still PSR concerns at both clubs, still plenty of unwanted players on long, lucrative contracts.For every Palmer at Chelsea, there’s a Mykhailo Mudryk. Boehly’s mob are still paying Raheem Sterling £200,000 a week not to play for Arsenal.And at Forest, for every Morgan Gibbs-White, there’s a Jonjo Shelvey.But, at present, these two clubs — who seemed to be giving us a crash course in how not to run a football club — are doing exactly the bleeding opposite.Whatever you do, just don’t try to make sense of any of it.Andy’s AwfulLIVERPOOL’S exhilarating 2-2 draw with Fulham will be a contender for the Premier League’s match of the season.Which suggests that, to make things more interesting for everyone, the Reds should always be reduced to ten men for no apparent reason inside 20 minutes.One troubling aspect for Arne Slot is that his side were better AFTER Andy Robertson’s harsh early dismissal than they had been with the Scot, 30, on the pitch.Full-backs don’t tend to go over the hill, they fall off cliffs — as Robbo and his fellow stalwart, 34-year-old Kyle Walker at Manchester City, have done.Cottagers’ Antonee Robinson, 27, man of the match on Saturday, has a Scouse accent despite his USA international allegiance, and would be an ideal replacement.Except that Fulham are loath to do business with Liverpool, after the Kop outfit signed academy products Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho on the cheap.Is Andy Robertson coming to the end of his prowess at Liverpool?Credit: EPABrit Of A ChangeTHERE can rarely have been a more predictable sacking than that of Gary O’Neil at Wolves.It wasn’t just two wins from 16 matches, it was his players’ meltdowns in consecutive defeats by West Ham and Ipswich which turned his side into Wolver-tantrum Wanderers.His exit came just before the equally obvious departure of Russell Martin at Southampton.It means there are   only  two  English bosses — Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche — in the top flight, along with just one other Brit, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.A complete wipeout of homegrown bosses is on the horizon. Unless the Etihad sheikhs decide it’s time to break the glass on the emergency alarm and call up Fireman Sam Allardyce?He’s A Must PickJORDAN PICKFORD’S heroics in Everton’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday suggested that, of all the changes Thomas Tuchel might make as England boss, the goalkeeping position will NOT be one of them.He has as many caps as Gordon Banks and more major final appearances than every other goalkeeper ever to play for England put together.And with the Wembley debacle against Greece in October perhaps his only truly bad performance in a Three Lions shirt, it might soon be time to show Pickford some proper appreciation.Jordan Pickford should continue to be England’s No1 for a while yetCredit: ReutersGive Spoty Men A GoIF the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award were for sporting achievement it would go to  Joe Root, who this year confirmed himself as England’s greatest ever batsman.If it were down to force of  personality, it would go to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Luke  Littler, who has made the Ally Pally arrow-slinging jamboree a global must-watch. But it will go to athletics’ Keely Hodgkinson — not unreasonably, as she’s an Olympic 800 metres gold medallist with a sparkling personality.And note that the previous three winners have all been women. Is it time for separate SPOTY awards for either sex — some  positive discrimination just to give the blokes a chance?Not Gund enoughWHILE  focus has fallen on Rodri’s injury, Kyle Walker’s terminal decline, Phil Foden’s form crisis and Erling Haaland’s lack of goals, the  re-signing  of  Ilkay  Gundogan has escaped much criticism.But Manchester City’s decision to bring back their 34-year-old former captain —  a year after he decamped  for Barcelona — was an extremely retrograde step from such a forward-thinking boss as Pep Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan has hardly pulled up trees on his return to Man CityCredit: Getty’Statistical anomaly’   TOTTENHAM have lost as many Premier League games as they have won this  season, yet after a 5-0 win in the “principles derby” at Southampton, they boast a goal difference of plus-17.This wild statistical  anomaly is perfect  testimony to the unique wonders of Angeball. More

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      Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealed

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      FANS were transfixed by a lip-smacking thriller – before wondering if Carlo Ancelotti had lip-swelling filler.Viewers were open-mouthed with astonishment over the Real Madrid manager’s swollen bottom lip in a press conference following a 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano.Viewers were entranced by Carlo Ancelotti’s lips when he faced the mediaCredit: X @marcaJude Bellingham had earlier netted as Real Madrid drew 3-3Credit: AFPAncelotti saw his Real team fail to move top of LaLigaCredit: GettyMany fans were convinced the legendary ex-Chelsea chief must have had botox treatment or an operationOne posted: “What’s wrong with your lip? Have you had surgery?”Another claimed: “I’ve been giggling about Ancelotti’s lip filler since I woke up”  A third wrote: “Can someone explain to me what Ancelotti has done to his lips?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unexpected debate about Ancelotti’s facial features came after Jude Bellingham netted for a sixth LaLiga match in a row.The last player to do that was Karim Benzema, also for Real, eight years ago.But the draw means Ancelotti’s men remain a point behind neighbours Atletico Madrid and leaders Barcelona.So one fan felt able to ask: “Why did Ancelotti get lip filler. This is not a serious club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpanish outlet mundodeportivo say his large lips were due to an allergy.But it didn’t save the former Bayern Munich and Everton boss from less than generous jibes.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in stylePlenty of fans on social media made up their own mind over the cause of the apparent swelling.One wrote: “Ancelotti has punctured his lips or is it just me.”Another said: “Ancelotti has been more concerned about his lips than about today’s game.”That was particularly unkind as Real recovered from trailing 2-0 to lead 3-2 through Federico Valverde, Bellingham and Rodrygo.But Isi Palazon rescued a valuable point for second-bottom Vallecano.So for Ancelotti it wasn’t a case of all’s swell that ends swell. More

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      Ben Godrey willing to give up winning Serie A for Premier League return as two clubs lead transfer chase

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      BEN GODFREY is willing to give up winning Serie A for a return to the Premier League.The 26-year-old joined Italian table-toppers Atalanta from Everton in a £10million deal last summer.Ben Godfrey is keen on a move back to EnglandCredit: GettyBut Wolves and Nottingham Forest are leading the chase in bringing versatile defender Godfrey back to England.Godfrey has made just four appearances for last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta since the move to Italy.In his four games, only one came in Serie A, which came as a substitute in the 4-0 over Lecce in August.But the two-cap England ace has had to wait for minutes in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side because of the Italian club’s shock success in Serie A.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGodfrey’s last appearance came in the 6-1 Champions League away victory over Young Boys last month.Atalanta currently have a two-point lead at the top and play Cagliari on Saturday afternoon while second-placed Napoli travel to Udinese.But SunSport understands Godfrey would be prepared to play football rather than sit on the bench and potentially collect a medal next May.Atalanta will also have to deal with the likes of Inter Milan and Fiorentina, who are hot on their heels.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBoth teams are three points behind the Bergamo side with a game in hand.Back in September, it was claimed that Godrey had been “struggling” to adapt to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Godrey came through the youth academy at York City before hearing a move to Norwich City in 2016.He spent four years at Carrow Road and helped the club back into the Premier League in 2019.However, after suffering relegation in 2020, he remained in the top-flight after sealing a transfer to Everton for a potential £25m fee.Godrey went on to make 93 appearances for the Toffees before leaving the club for Italy.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Government plans for football will backfire… damaging the Premier League is in NOBODY’S interest

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      NO ONE watching this year’s Premier League could think English football isn’t in rude health.Liverpool are on top, with Chelsea in hot pursuit and Aston Villa flying high in the Champions League. Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are all pushing for Europe.The Football Governance Bill is currently being debated in ParliamentCredit: AlamyThe Premier League provides support further down the football pyramidCredit: GettyOur second league, the Championship, is thriving like never before.It’s now the sixth richest league in Europe, thanks to the EFL’s £1billion broadcasting deals and the Premier League’s financial support — the most generous of any major league in the world.Incredibly, our second tier is now far wealthier than even the Portuguese or Dutch first leagues.Meanwhile, club insolvencies across the pyramid are at a 30-year low.READ MORE ON FOTBALLBut a lot of our politicians seem to think English football is a fragile house of cards. Other countries would love to have our so-called “problems”.There’s a reason 1.5bn people around the world tune into English football.Because, from top to bottom, our leagues crackle with tension, high stakes and meaning.They are not boring hierarchies where one team dominates in half-full stadiums, but the best competitions on the planet — forged by those willing to take risks, invest millions and back their judgment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn what was promised to be a “light touch” regulator concentrating on the issues that are very important to clubs and fans — heritage issues, better fan engagement, proper owners and so on — the Government has given the Independent Football Regulator a so-called “Backstop” power.It’s part of the Football Governance Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, although it is making slower than expected progress. Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released – Labour’s own backbenchers have suggested over 150 new clauses they believe should be added to their own Government’s Bill.That’s on everything from forcing clubs to socially engineer the make-up of their season ticket holders, to demanding that fans are defined as only those who have season tickets, regardless of if you can actually get a season ticket at your club or not.The Backstop power gives the Regulator the right to forcibly take money from Prem clubs, even if it harms or affects their own competitiveness.Less cash means less to spend on transfer fees or less cash to pay their players.Not all Prem clubs have endless wealth, that’s why there is over £2bn of debt in the Prem.The Prem is no miserly Scrooge. Every Championship club receives around £7million a season, each League One club gets around £1.5m and each League One club gets over £1m.These payments are a helping hand, agreed freely and with goodwill.And since their inception in 2007, they have increased more than tenfold.But the Government believes this generosity, more money shared than any other league on the planet, should make way for state intervention.The result of which could mean that Prem clubs have to take on more debt (which ironically makes them less sustainable) or invest less in their own team so that fellow owners in the other leagues no longer have to take similar risks themselves. This is trickle-down turned upside-down.The Championship is no soup kitchen queue. It hosts incredibly wealthy owners, nine of them billionaires, who plough millions into efforts to reach the promised land.Yet, a Prem side that has climbed the ladder the hard way,  through calculated risk-taking and sustained investment, may be forced to hand over more millions so that Championship owners don’t have to.That’s even if those owners have mismanaged their clubs, made bad decisions and ­deliberately put their clubs at financial risk.It won’t be their owners that have to face the consequences, it will be the Prem owners who have to pick up their tab!The Prem willingly supports the pyramid with £1.6bn over a three-year broadcast cycle.That’s how I believe it should stay: negotiated, reasonable and always voluntary.That’s why I think the Regulator could well consider £1.6bn is far too generous and decide to cut it back.Or wonder why League Two only get eight per cent of the total PL handout, as the Championship keeps 80 per cent.Or they may decide the Prem should not fund every part of the pyramid themselves and the EFL should support the National League, the league directly below them, rather than asking the Prem to do that for them.Or they may just simply decide to impose far more stringent self-help measures that the EFL will have to implement to ensure they manage their own money better.Any good Regulator will surely see that damaging the appeal of the PL, and creating a competition that’s less vibrant, less exciting and much less appealing is in no one’s interests.Because if that happens, the Premier League will go into reverse and there will be far less money for everyone in the football pyramid.Less money for grassroots football. Less money for the PFA. Less money for the Football Foundation. Less money for the women’s game.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd less money for all the many community projects and charities the PL supports to the tune of over £50m a year.As they say, be careful what you wish for…Who are these famous footballers? More