European Super League

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      European Super League LIVE: Premier League release statement after ruling as Man Utd amongst clubs to reject tournament

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      THE European Super League is back on the table following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice.The court has today determined Fifa and Uefa acted against competition law when they blocked the formation of a European Super League in 2021.
      Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs proposed the formation of a European Super League two years ago, but the proposal was met with a wave of fan backlash and the proposal was shut down.
      Now, the tournament could be revived but English football fans may not need to be concerned as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have promised to stop clubs from joining new competitions that would kill off the domestic game.
      Many European footballing giants, including Man Utd, have reaffirmed that they have no interest in joining the Super League.
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      Follow our live blog below…
      Inter becomes the next European giant to reject new European Super League
      Inter Milan has joined a growing list of European clubs to reject the idea of a new Super League.
      The Italian side reaffirmed its commitment to the current structure of European football today.
      A statement read: “FC Internazionale Milano reiterates its position that European football’s future well-being can only be secured by clubs working together through the ECA, in partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA.
      “As a Club, we remain committed to the values that underpin the European Sports Model and to working through the ECA alongside our fellow clubs to uphold those values”.
      Credit: REUTERS
      Feyenoord denies involvement in new European Super League
      Dutch champions Feyenoord have denied claims they are set to take part in the new European Super League.
      A statement said: “Feyenoord has taken note of the European Court’s ruling that UEFA and FIFA cannot ban clubs from starting a competition such as the Super League. 
      “Feyenoord insists it has made no commitments, nor has it ever spoken to the people behind the possible Super League, as some foreign publications suggest.
      “With what the club knows so far, it has doubts whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and for the national leagues. Through the ECA, the club will continue to think about the future, improvements within European football and strengthening the position of Dutch football”.
      AS Monaco joins PSG in rejecting new Super League
      Another French side has expressed full commitment to Uefa’s competitions and rejected the latest attempt to create a European Super League.
      AS Monaco said: “AS Monaco would like to express its full commitment to the principle of sporting merit which governs UEFA competitions and the French championship.
      “AS Monaco will continue to work with the Ligue 1 clubs within the Ligue de Football Professionnel, and with other clubs through the ECA, in order to participate progressively and collectively in the development of football”.
      Uefa president mocks new European Super League
      Uefa’s president has taken the opportunity to make today’s new Super League proposal.
      Aleksander Čeferin said: “I’ve seen the press leads of English supporters calling it like… The Zombie League.
      “It’s close to Christmas, they saw a box under the tree and started to celebrate, but then when they opened the box they realised there was not much inside”.
      Another football giant rejects the Super League
      PSG has become the latest team to turn down A22’s new European Super League proposal.
      The French giant said it “utterly rejects” the new plan.
      A statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain totally and utterly rejects any plans for a so-called Super League, which has been the case from day one and will always remain the case”.
      “As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European sporting model, the values of open competition and inclusion, and works with all recognised stakeholders in European football – above all with the fans and players, who are at the heart of the game”.
      ‘The European football family does not want the Super League’
      Atletico Madrid has rejected today’s proposal for a New European Super League.
      A statement said: “The European football family does not want the European Super League”. “Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. do not want the Super League”.
      “We are in favor of protecting the European football family, safeguarding domestic leagues, and ensuring that qualification for European competitions is achieved through on-field performance every season”.
      Premier League slams new Super League proposal
      The Premier League has rejected today’s proposal for a new European Super League.
      A statement read: “The Premier League notes today’s judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the “European Superleague Company”, FIFA and UEFA.  This is a significant ruling and we will now fully examine its implications for the game.
      “The ruling does not endorse the so-called “European Super League” and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a “breakaway” competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.
      “The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions.
      “Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to international club competitions and the longstanding rivalries and rituals that come with weekends being reserved for domestic football.”
      Are the Premier League teams involved?
      As it stands, no the Premier League top six are not involved in this current iteration of the European Super League.
      During the last ill-advised proposal, six of the Premier League’s biggest teams received huge backlash for attempting to break away from Uefa.
      It seems like this time, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City will not be getting involved.
      How will the new Super League work?
      Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, has confirmed the format of the “new” Super League, following the ECJ’s ruling this morning.
      The new European Super League proposal features 64 teams, each in one of three tiers: Star, Gold and Blue. 
      Annual promotion and relegation will happen between each tier, this seemingly aims to address complaints of a lack of sporting fairness in previous proposals.
      Clubs will play only 14 matches per season, with the star and gold tiers consisting of 16 teams each.
      Each season will end with a knockout-style competition to determine which teams are promoted and relegated.
      Manchester United rejects new Super League
      Manchester United have rejected the latest Super League proposal.
      The club said: “Our position has NOT changed.
      “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game”.
      Bayern Munich reject the new Super League
      German giants Bayern Munich have rejected A22’s latest bid to launch the European Super League.
      “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
      “Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says, reports Fabrizio Romano.
      🚨🔴 FC Bayern reject the Super League.“It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed”.“Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says. pic.twitter.com/j5ZLzLDVhM— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2023

      What have the courts said?
      The European Court of Justice today ruled Uefa and Fifa’s action regarding the European Super League “unlawful.”
      The Court said: “The Fifa and Uefa rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions are unlawful.
      “There is no framework for the Fifa and Uefa rules ensuring that they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
      “Similarly the rules giving Fifa and Uefa exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.
      “The Court observes that the organisation of interclub football competitions and the exploitation of the media rights are quite evidently economic activities.
      “They must therefore comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, even though the economic pursuit of sport has certain specific characteristics, such as the existence of associations having certain regulatory and control powers and the power to impose sanctions.”
      Real Madrid chief responds to new European Super League
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has welcomed today’s decision and the return of the European Super League.
      He said: “From Real Madrid we welcome with great satisfaction the decision taken by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is responsible for guaranteeing our principles, values and freedoms. In the coming days we will carefully study the scope of this resolution, but I do anticipate two conclusions of great historical significance.
      “First of all, that European club football is not and will never be a monopoly again. And secondly, that from today the clubs will be the owners of their destiny. Clubs see fully recognized our right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world. In short, today the Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and today soccer and its fans have also triumphed.
      “Faced with the pressures we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom are imposed today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue to work for the sake of football.
      “Just as almost seventy years ago we took a fundamental step in the history of soccer with the creation of the European Cup, today we again have the duty and responsibility to give European football the new impetus it needs so much. And for this, we will continue to defend a modern project, fully compatible with national competitions, open to all, based on sporting merit and that will effectively impose respect for financial fair play. A project that will bring economic sustainability for all clubs and that above all will protect the players and excite fans around the world.
      “We will do it despite the campaigns we have suffered and that, without a doubt, will intensify from today. But no one said that ending a monopoly after so many decades was simple.
      “We are facing the great opportunity to improve European club football. A football at the height of the 21st century, with a transparent governance, that knows how to live with new technologies and that once again provokes the passion and emotion that fans really need.
      “Let me tell the European clubs that we are facing the beginning of a new time in which we can work in freedom from constructive dialogue, without threats, without acting against anything or anyone and with the aim of innovating and modernizing football to continue nurturing the passion of the fans.
      “From today, the present and future of European football are finally in the hands of clubs, players and their fans. Our destiny belongs to us and we have a great responsibility before us.
      “This day will mark a before and after. It is a great day for the history of football and for the history of sport”.
      New ESL will be free to watch
      According to A22, the new European Super League would be free for fans to watch.
      A22 said: “The proposal also includes innovative plans to launch the world’s leading direct-to-fan sports streaming platform [called Unify], where billions of fans would be able to watch live all Super League matches for free”.
      No clubs confirmed to be taking part
      When asked which clubs are interested in the proposal, Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, refused to comment.
      Outside of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, no clubs have indicated they would be willing to join A22’s proposed Super League.
      This could imply that, unlike last time, the Premier League top six could stay well clear of the new European Super League.
      Fans slam new proposal
      Fans have taken to X/Twitter to express their anger at today’s ruling.
      One supporter reacted to the court ruling saying: “RIP football as we know it 😭”
      Another added: “Football is about to be ruined then…”
      A third wrote: “We the fans still don’t want that shoddy league.”
      What is the difference between the new European Super League and the Champions League?
      A22 has been keen to differentiate its new European Super League from the updated Champions League set to launch in 2024.
      The organisation has released an image of the differences between the two tournaments:
      Credit: A22
      Football Supporters Association slams new Super League proposal
      The FSA has slammed today’s news that the European Super League will be making a return.
      You can read its full statement below:

      Barcelona release statement
      FC Barcelona have welcomed today’s decision to deem Uefa and Fifa’s actions “unlawful”.
      A statement from the club said: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its satisfaction with the sentence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) assessing the Super League project as proposed by A22 Sports.
      “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, FC Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.
      “Since it was founded in 1899, FC Barcelona has always been a pioneering club in the world of sport, leading the drive towards more professionalised structures both on a domestic and international scale, with regard to both men’s and women’s competitions, in a variety of sports and from different social concerns.
      “Hence, as it has been maintaining in recent years, the club feels that the medium-term sustainability of European football entails the need create a concept along the lines of the Super League proposed by A22. A system of competition that will address such issues as fixture overload and the excessive number of games between national teams, that will work towards regulation of financial fair play among participating teams, and that will put local and international players and supporters at the centre.
      “This system must respect the functions and sustainability of domestic competitions and should be a meritocracy that is primarily based on results on the pitch.
      “In a year when the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary, Barça wishes to continue to offer its experience and knowledge of different sports to propose solutions for current issues in elite sport.
      “That is why it is declaring its support for the Super League promoted by A22 and encourages constructive debate among both domestic and international football bodies, which have now been endorsed by today’s sentence by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The foregoing is all subject to a complete reading of the sentence.”
      New Super League format confirmed
      Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, has confirmed the format of the “new” Super League, following the ECJ’s ruling this morning.
      The new European Super League proposal features 64 teams, each in one of three tiers: Star, Gold and Blue. 
      Annual promotion and relegation will happen between each tier, this seemingly aims to address complaints of a lack of sporting fairness in previous proposals.
      Clubs will play only 14 matches per season, with the star and gold tiers consisting of 16 teams each.
      Each season will end with a knockout-style competition to determine which teams are promoted and relegated.
      UEFA and Fifa lose Super League ruling
      Following a landmark European Court of Justice ruling, the so-called European Super League could be back.
      It was ruled that Uefa and Fifa acted “unlawfully” when they blocked the tournament in 2021.
      Following the decision, new plans for an updated Super League were released. More

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      Premier League teams will be BANNED from European Super League thanks to legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak

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      ENGLISH teams are set to be BANNED from the European Super League.The controversial proposal could come back into the limelight after a court determined Fifa and Uefa acted against law when they blocked its formation in 2021.
      English sides could be banned from any ESL comebackCredit: Getty
      Twelve clubs tried to form a breakaway division but after much backlash the sides pulled out one by one.
      But following the court’s new ruling, the European Super League is back in the fold with Barcelona already revealing they are “satisfied” with the decision.
      However, the British government could prevent Premier League teams from being involved in its possible comeback.
      After the debacle two years ago, an independent football regulator has been put in place by the government from 2024.
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      They promise to stop clubs from joining “breakaway or unlicensed leagues.”
      After this morning’s court decision a government spokesperson said: “We note the decision by the European Court of Justice’s judgement with regard to the European Super League.
      “The attempt to create a breakaway competition was a defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the Government.
      “We took decisive action at the time by triggering the fan-led review of football governance, which called for the creation of a new independent regulator for English football. 
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      “We will shortly be bringing forward legislation that makes this a reality, and will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.”
      Tory MP Tracy Crouch previously said: “I am pleased that the Rishi Sunak, a passionate football fan himself, recognises that fans throughout the pyramid want to see the long-term financial sustainability of their clubs and have a greater say in how they are run.
      “On the pitch, English football is admired the world over, but it is important that measures are put in place to ensure our national game is fit for the future.
      “This is exactly what an Independent Regulator will do.”
      The latest idea put forward by European Super League chiefs is that up to 64 clubs should leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      That would be without any Prem clubs and Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 is using the success of English football as a justification for a rival tournament. More

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      Hated European Super League is back on the table after shock court ruling in HUGE blow to Uefa and fans

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      FOOTBALL fans fear the hated European Super League is on the way back following a sensational ruling by the European Court of Justice.The court has determined Fifa and Uefa acted against competition law when they blocked the formation of a European Super League in 2021.
      Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is one of the advocates of the European Super LeagueCredit: AP
      Football fans around the country protested the Super League when it was proposed two years agoCredit: Getty
      “Football is not for sale” ❌UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on the European Super League ruling and the new format proposal from A22 Sports ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/k3evJhy2Mp— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 21, 2023

      Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs proposed the formation of a European Super League two years ago.
      The proposal was met with significant backlash as fans across the continent protested the idea.
      Premier League clubs pulled out one by one following the visceral reaction from fans, who now fear the Super League could be introduced after all.
      Now the Super League has announced a new open format consisting of 64 teams and three divisions – Star, Gold and Blue – with promotion and relegation included.
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      Teams will play 14 games a season with seven at home and seven away, with the top teams battling it out in play-offs at the end of the season.
      One supporter reacted to the court ruling saying: “RIP football as we know it 😭”
      Another added: “Football is about to be ruined then…”
      A third wrote: “We the fans still don’t want that shoddy league.”
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      And another commented: “Super league here we go.”
      Spanish giants Barcelona have instantly voiced their “satisfaction” with the court ruling.
      In a statement published on their website, the Catalans wrote: “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, FC Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.”
      Club president Joan Laporta also released a video voicing his support for the hated Super League.
      And their fellow LaLiga rivals Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez did likewise with a statement on their website.
      However, English football fans may not need to be concerned as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have promised to stop clubs from joining new competitions that would kill off the domestic game.
      And United released a statement confirming their anti-Super League stance.
      It reads: “Our position has NOT changed”.
      “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”
      Bayern Munich followed suit saying: “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
      “Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football.”
      And Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin: “I hope they start that competition as soon as possible with two clubs.
      “I hope they know what they are doing which I am not so sure about. Football is not for sale.”
      But conspirators Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are refusing to give up on their breakaway project despite it crashing and burning inside 48 hours two years ago.
      The latest idea put forward was for up to 80 clubs to leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      But that would NOT include any Premier League clubs, with Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 using the success of English football as a justification for the new tournament.
      And in a boost to that trio of clubs the European Court of Justice ruled that Fifa and Uefa rules giving them the power to approve club competitions “are contrary to EU Law”.
      The Court said: “The Fifa and Uefa rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions are unlawful.
      “There is no framework for the Fifa and Uefa rules ensuring that they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
      “Similarly the rules giving Fifa and Uefa exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.
      “The Court observes that the organisation of interclub football competitions and the exploitation of the media rights are quite evidently economic activities.
      “They must therefore comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, even though the economic pursuit of sport has certain specific characteristics, such as the existence of associations having certain regulatory and control powers and the power to impose sanctions.”
      The only consolation was the Court not giving specific approval for Super League.
      It said: “That does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved.
      “The Court, having been asked generally about the FIFA and UEFA rules, does not rule on that specific project in its judgement.”
      Real Madrid and Barca have responded positively to the court’s judgement, while Super League CEO Bernd Reichart has voiced his approval.
      A statement read: “UEFA-monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction AND free to determine their own futures!”

      “For fans: We propose free viewing of all Super League matches.”
      “For clubs: Revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
      Real Madrid released a statment that read: “At Real Madrid we welcome with enormous satisfaction the decision adopted by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is responsible for guaranteeing our principles, values ​​and freedoms.
      “In the coming days we will carefully study the scope of this resolution, but I do anticipate two conclusions of great historical significance. Firstly, that European club football is not and will never again be a monopoly. And secondly, that from today the clubs will be the masters of their destiny.
      Read more on The Sun
      “The clubs see our right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world fully recognized. In short, today the Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and today football and its fans have also triumphed.
      “In the face of the pressures that we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom prevail today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue working for the good of football.” More

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      Super League ‘could be brought back by Saudi Arabia with Barcelona and Juventus among clubs considering link up’

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      THE Super League could be brought back by Saudi Arabia with Barcelona and Juventus interested, according to reports.Two years ago, 12 founding clubs proposed a breakaway from European football but the plan quickly fell apart after huge backlash.
      Juventus could join Saudi Arabia’s version of the Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      Bareclona are also reportedly keenCredit: Getty
      But the idea of a Super League could return via Saudi Arabia.
      Chiefs in the Middle East are looking to grow their division following the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema amongst other stars.
      And to help their sides become more attractive, they want to compete with teams from Europe and rival the Champions League.
      The Saudis supposedly plan to convince Barca and Juve to be part of the new competition.
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      Tuttosport claim they are both interested amid ongoing issues at both clubs.
      Barca are struggling financially and could also be hit with a ban from Uefa competitions over the Negreira case.
      The governing body are investigating claims that the Catalan giants allegedly paid £6.5million to former refereeing chief Jose Mara Enriquez Negreira.
      Meanwhile, Juventus are under scrutiny for potential FFP breaches, having already been slapped with a ten-point deduction for a false accounting scandal.
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      Both the Serie A side and Barcelona were original European Super League members.
      Saudi Arabian clubs would also reportedly welcome other big teams that fail to qualify for the Champions League.
      Uefa are supposedly concerned by the plan. More

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      European Club Association was created to appease the richest clubs after failed Super League plot

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      THE fallout from the nuclear explosion which could have destroyed the unity of European club football is changing the game again.Drastic action taken by supporters of the Premier League clubs who wanted to join it effectively sank the European Super League.
      Uefa has initiated another attempt to appease the self-identified elite six of EnglandCredit: Reuters
      One or two further attempts to appease the self-identified elite six of England were aborted.
      Then along came another, this time initiated by Uefa with a body named the European Club Association — which they arrogantly describe as the “Heart of Football”.
      My immediate reaction is that their heart already requires a transplant.
      No question, Uefa were spooked by the discovery that ESL clubs were about to wreck their structure.
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      And with Fifa also sniffing around the multi-billions of our continent’s leading leagues, the ECA was born.
      The motto should have been “More for the few”.
      And last week an  antidote to the ECA was introduced, the Union of European Clubs, which quickly brought applause from hundreds of neglected also-rans.
      Sorry about the rash of ‘E’ initials. Only the mobile phone company EE have more.
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      In their case they stand for “Everything Everywhere” which is rather appropriate for Uefa and Fifa, people who have plans for dictatorship of the people’s game.
      It’s no accident that Manchester City and United, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea, six promoters of the aborted Super League, are the only full English members of the ECA.
      They have the votes to make the important decisions. The rest could simply be referred to as ‘observers’ but are politely called ‘associate members’.
      Some Prem clubs outside the top six have agreed to be ‘associate members’, as have other clubs throughout Europe.
      Among their ranks are mighty Valletta of Malta, average crowd 1,000; Vikingur of the Faroe Islands, average about 400; and Kairat of Kazakhstan, individual plastic seats for a 23,000-capacity crowd.
      On a geographical note, 85 per cent of Kazakhstan is in Asia and has a border with China. In my book, that is not Europe.
      Vikingur, Kairat and Valletta, and many others among the 110 full  members, are not the kind of opposition — or should I say allies? — the Glazers or Abu Dhabi signed up for.
      They expected Juventus, Real Madrid or Barcelona.
      But this trio are absent from the ECA, presumably keeping their powder dry while hoping for a miraculous ESL rebirth.
      LaLiga president Javier Tebas, fast becoming the voice of the thousand-plus clubs outside the ECA, said: “I’m fed up with hearing that the ECA represents the European clubs. It represents the elite clubs in Europe.
      “We try to defend solidarity but that is not just ten per cent of the clubs. It has to be everyone.
      “Is the ECA open? Not to vote and not for  decision-making. Which is what is really necessary.”
      The ECA was created to appease the richest.
      They signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with Uefa and have a say in how the money from competitions is dished out.
      And surprise, surprise, it’s not distributed fairly!
      The Champions League will expand next year and Fifa have announced an overblown Club World Cup in 2025.
      And guess where both finals are due to be held.
      You got it, the USA, one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup.
      All for the same reason millions of the ‘huddled masses’ first arrived in New York: money.
      And that is what the ECA are all about.
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      Thirty per cent of Champions League prize money is based on a club’s historical European performances, enhancing the already huge financial disparities between and within leagues.
      I doubt this will change, no matter how worthy the Union of European Clubs is. More

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      Man Utd boss Ten Hag admits he is open to change in football just days after reviled European Super League re-emerged

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      ERIK TEN HAG says he is open to change in football after the controversial European Super League reared its head again this week.The potential of a breakaway movement caused fan outrage when Manchester United joined a number of other top English and European clubs in a proposed new league.
      Erik ten Hag has quickly become a respected figure on the Old Trafford touchlineCredit: Getty
      That was quickly shelved due to the objections but this week further plans emerged with a competition involving 60-80 teams with promotion and relegation rather than the original closed shop 20.
      While Ten Hag was not talking about any specific proposal he said he would look at any new ideas.
      United boss Ten Hag said: “I think the current structure is good but there will always be initiatives to make it better, to make the football better and that is what life is.
      “People always want to construct better, which is a good thing because if it is in favour of the football, it is always good.
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      “I’m aware of the dynamic of what’s going on in sections but if I see they’re coming up with new ideas I have to have a look at it and I will make an opinion.”
      Ten Hag admits that ultimately any decision will be taken out of managers’ hands.

      Ten Hag would, however, certainly oppose any change that clogged the fixture list up any further.
      He believes this season’s schedule, which has included a World Cup in November and December, is now having a knock-on effect on players.
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      He said: “Definitely, it’s a tough season, with the World Cup in between and an overload of games for the players, that’s quite clear.
      “The load on the players is too much.” More

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      Premier League clubs blast European Super League rebels for planning new competition WITHOUT English teams

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have ridiculed rebooted “reverse Brexit” plans for a European Super League WITHOUT English teams.Conspirators Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are refusing to give up on their breakaway project despite it crashing and burning inside 48 HOURS two years ago.
      Florentino Perez is determined to revive the hated Super LeagueCredit: AFP
      Fans rallied against the despised projectCredit: Getty
      Now the three rebels are using Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 to rehash another version of the plan that would see up to 80 clubs leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      But that would NOT include any Premier League clubs, with A22 using the success of English football as a justification for the new tournament.
      Top-flight club bosses were scathing about the plans, while Spain’s LaLiga boss Javier Tebas posted a cartoon portraying the whole scheme as a fairytale, blasting: “Super League is the wolf who disguises himself as a granny.”
      The European Court of Justice is expected to confirm within weeks that Uefa DOES have the right to ban rebel clubs and players if they try to form a new elite competition.
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      But A22 chief Bernd Reichart insisted: “The foundations of European football are in danger of collapsing. It’s time for a change. It is the clubs that bear the entrepreneurial risk in football.
      “But when important decisions are at stake, they are too often forced to sit idly by on the sidelines as the sporting and financial foundations crumble around them.”
      However, the company backed a 12-club ESL proposal in 2021 that failed to materialise following furious protests against it.
      And Prem club bosses last night accused the Super Leaguers of wanting to boot English teams OUT of Europe. One insider revealed: “This is a reverse Brexit.
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      “We are talking about a closed league that is trying to justify itself by pitting Europe against England.
      “At the same time, they claim they want to emulate the Prem’s success. To say people are bemused is an understatement.”
      A22 argued in meetings with 50-plus European clubs that the Prem’s wealth has already created an elite, pointing to the fact relegated Norwich earned more in domestic TV revenues last season than champions Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
      But Tebas blasted: “Super League is the wolf who disguises himself as a granny to try to fool European football. But his nose and his teeth are very big.
      “Four divisions in Europe? Of course, the first is just for them.”
      The European Club Association, representing the 245 biggest teams in Europe, said: “We note the latest dispatch from A22’s alternative reality.
      “However, in the real world, this rehashed idea has already been proposed, discussed and comprehensively rejected by all.
      “This is just another deliberately distorted and misleading attempt to destabilise football’s real stakeholders in their efforts to move things forward in the best interests of the European club game.”
      So when you thought it was safe to come out from behind the sofa — the Super League could be back.
      But what’s it all about this time?
      TELL US ABOUT THE LATEST PLAN
      Super League bosses envisage between 60 and 80 clubs competing in three or four divisions every season.
      It seems there is a version of promotion and relegation on offer with three up and three down.
      Each club would play “a minimum of 14 matches” and the competition would be “based solely on sporting merit”.
      WHAT’S DIFFERENT, THEN?
      The original breakaway proposals in 2021 saw a 20-club elite, with 15 “founder members” including the Premier League Big Six.
      One of the biggest criticisms was it created a self-selected, closed shop of wealthy and powerful clubs, providing a glass ceiling barrier to the rest of Europe.
      Many think this is just a rebranded version of the same thing.
      SO WHO IS DRIVING IT?
      Real Madrid and Barcelona, through a Madrid-based company called A22, together with troubled Italian giants Juventus.
      A22, who will not confirm the source of their funding, claim they have Europe-wide support.
      They would, wouldn’t they?
      AND THEIR PITCH?
      Basically, that all the problems of European football are due to the power of the Premier League.
      So this is a way of fighting back.
      BUT IT’S ABOUT THE MONEY?
      Yes. Although A22 cannot provide any details, other than a promise to split £350million per year to clubs left out of the new set-up.
      The first plan saw the founders share £3bn up front and earn £130m minimum each season.
      WHAT WAS THE RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT?
      Universally damning, from the Prem and LaLiga — which depicted Super League as the Big Bad Wolf to the European game’s Little Red Riding   Hood  —  as well as fan groups and the European Club Association.
      ISN’T THE SUPER LEAGUE DEAD ALREADY?
      Not yet. But it is on life support with the European Court of Justice expected to pronounce the final sentence of execution soon.
      This looks like a desperate attempt to breathe life into a failed concept.
      WILL IT WORK?
      Who knows? Uefa is bullish it will have the power to sanction rebels.
      Read More on The Sun
      Prem clubs, who can be hit by huge fines if they join any future breakaway, will be banned from joining by proposed new Government legislation.
      Without English clubs, it is hard to see where the TV revenue comes from.
      The Super League failed in pathetic fashionCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Hated European Super League is BACK as it sets out new plans to replace Champions League with 80-team format

      by

      THE European Super League has set out new plans to replace the Champions League with a 60 to 80-team competition.The latest idea would see each club involved play a minimum of 14 games per season, with no permanent members.
      Protests across England led to the downfall of the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been one of the leading voices behind the idea for a European Super LeagueCredit: EPA
      The announcement was made by European sports development company A22 – a Madrid-based sister company of the European Super League.
      It comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between Uefa and the three remaining teams in the ESL – Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus – an idea which was quashed within three days by fan protests in April 2021.
      A22 claim the idea for the formation of the new competition comes after discussions with clubs around Europe about their economic difficulties.
      However, it is not yet known how Real, Barca or Juventus would make way for new teams within the structure, or even who would run the league.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A22 have slammed Uefa and outlined the basis for their “10 principles for a European football league”.
      They said: “A European football league should be an open, multi-divisional competition with 60 to 80 teams, allowing for sustainable distribution of revenues across the pyramid.
      “Participation should be based on annual sporting merit and there should be no permanent members. 
      “Open qualification based on domestic performance would grant rising clubs access to the competition while maintaining competitive dynamics at domestic level.”
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      It is a huge U-turn from the original principles which would have seen the “Founding Partners” sharing a £3bn windfall for being in at the start of the breakaway and guaranteed £130m minimum each season.
      The original Super League members were Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Man Utd, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.

      A22 went on to add: “Clubs also need greater stability and predictability in annual revenues so they can make sensible, long-term commitments to player and infrastructure expenditures. 
      “Substantial improvements in the format and attractiveness of the current European competitions would generate additional resources. 
      “Stability and predictability in revenues would be dramatically improved by offering clubs a minimum of 14 guaranteed European matches each season.”
      Reichart went on to claim a new format would also support domestic leagues, women’s football, the fans, financial sustainability, and the health of the players.
      And Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has claimed previously that there would be greater solidarity payments for clubs not competing in Europe.
      The publication of the “principles” brought scoffing and dismissal from Spain’s La Liga.
      La Liga chief executive Javier Tebas published a cartoon picturing Super League as the Big Bad Wolf and European football as Little Red Riding Hood.
      Tebas said: “Super League is the wolf, who disguises himself as a granny to try to fool European football.
      “But his nose and his teeth are very big.
      “Four divisions in Europe? Of course the first is just for them, as in the 2019 plan.
      “Government by the clubs? Yes, of course – but only by the big ones.”
      It is understood the ESL is keen to address the dominance of the Premier League given its power when it comes to television rights and activity in the transfer market.
      Last year, Uefa revealed plans for a new Champions League structure which will consist of 36 teams in a single division playing ten group-stage matches – a format that will come into force at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
      But the European organisation’s dispute with the Super League is continuing to rumble on.
      In December, Uefa were handed a boost by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg when advocate-general Athanasios Rantos’ advice sided with the European body.
      Rantos found that EU competition law was in line with the restrictions Uefa and Fifa possess over football.
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      He went on to state the governing body’s power was “proportionate” for achieving Uefa’s “legitimate objectives” in accordance with EU policy.
      Rantos’ advice is not binding to ECJ judges but is often followed. More