European Super League

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

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      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.
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      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

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      Rishi Sunak delays announcing football shake-up after bombshell leak to The Sun

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      RISHI Sunak has delayed announcing his footie shake-up after we blew the lid on the plans last week.The PM was due to unveil the overhaul this week but has now kicked it back a fortnight following the bombshell leak to the Sun.
      Rishi Sunak has delayed announcing his footie shake-up after we blew the lid on the plansCredit: Alamy
      Our report revealed plans for a new regulator to block takeovers from dodgy owners while giving fans a greater say in the running of clubs.
      Teams would also be banned from joining breakaway competitions like the European Super League.
      And Premier League clubs would be forced to give more money to struggling lower league sides.
      Insiders admitted the delay was to let the dust settle after the leak so the PM can announce the Football White Paper with fanfare.
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      But Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell said: “We urgently need proper football regulation.
      “Bury has already collapsed.
      “Many other clubs have been pushed to the brink.”
      Downing Street said it’s “not uncommon for timings to move on certain policies”.
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      Plans for European Super League over FOR EVER as court backs Uefa in huge blow to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus

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      THE DREAMS of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus lie shattered.Their ambitions of creating a Super League of the richest clubs, a money spinner to bankrupt Uefa and hit the power of the Premier League, rendered null and void by the Luxembourg lawmakers.
      Plans for the controversial European Super League have been shatteredCredit: Reuters
      There were restrained but triumphant celebrations across Europe, at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon, the Prem’s shiny new offices near Paddington, for LaLiga in Madrid  and the Bundesliga in Frankfurt.
      But if there were any remaining doubts for the American owners of Liverpool and Manchester United about the wisdom of cashing in their investments now, they were surely ended for good by the “non-binding opinion” of the European Court of Justice’s Advocate General.
      The northwest duo and the remaining members of the Big Six were forced to drop their plans to join the breakaway and even agreed to punitive financial and sporting repercussions for any future U-turn by the public backlash.
      Yet it always seemed they did so with their fingers crossed firmly behind their backs, waiting for the chance to jump back on any future gravy train before it left the station.
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      The argument would have been simple: We didn’t want to do it and we did promise we would stay. But what else can we do?
      Super League offered the prospect of a new financial universe even for the wealthy elite.
      A £3.6billion elite cartel funded by US financial behemoth JP Morgan, worth up to £310m for each club PLUS a minimum of £130m each season.
      If they had pulled it off, the value of the English clubs involved would have sky-rocketed, blitzing past the £5billion mark without even thinking of stopping.
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      That it would have impoverished those left behind was unimportant and irrelevant.
      It is all over now. 
      Revenues will rise in the future, especially if the Prem giants can get control of streaming rights and if the international desire to watch the world’s best league continues to increase.
      But not the exponential growth FSG and the Glazers had imagined and anticipated when they got into bed with the plotters as ringleaders of the scheme.
      Instead, the £3-4bn sums being bandied about as potential prices for the Anfield and Old Trafford clubs might be the top of the market. Even above what the market will be prepared to pay.
      Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, one of the five original club chiefs involved in the formation of the Premier League but who counselled Stan Kroenke against joining the breakaway, said: “The Super League was the owners not reading the tea leaves properly. 
      “They got the wrong message and that clearly was driven by owners thinking there was a Holy Grail out there.
      “The whole concept was abhorrent. It wasn’t in the best interest of football generally.
      “When it failed, that probably promoted the sale of Liverpool and Manchester United.” 
      UEFA COCKAHOOP
      Uefa chiefs, backed by the powerful European Club Association and the major leagues, were unsurprisingly cockahoop at a ruling which went far further than any of them had anticipated.
      The ECA, which represents nearly 250 clubs across the continent including nine from the Prem, trumpeted: “This is a clear rejection of the efforts of a few to undermine the foundations and historical heritage of European football for the many.
      “The self-interested few sought to disrupt European club football and undermine the values that underpin it.”
      Despite the devastating reverse, set to be confirmed by the formal judgement in March, the three remaining rebels, speaking through their lobbying vehicle, Madrid-based A22, attempted to find consolation.
      A22 clung to the finding that Uefa should not block attempts to set up a rival competition but ignored the key position that the European governing body DOES have the right to sanction any that do.
      Chief executive Bernd Reichart said: “We are pleased with the recognition of the right of third parties to organise pan-European club competitions. 
      “We believe the 15 judges who are entrusted with the responsibility to examine this case will go substantially further and provide the opportunity for clubs to manage their own destiny in Europe.” 
      Victories like that look like… defeats. Heavy ones. Ones that do not allow any comeback.
      Of course, it could all change in March. Until that verdict comes in, anything is possible.
      But even Real President Florentino Perez’ allies in the Spanish media depicted it as a humiliating reverse.

      The coffin has been ordered and the last rites have been performed. Now all that awaits Super League is the final confirmation of its fate.
      European football can breathe a sigh of relief. It may not be shared in Boston or Miami. More

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      European Super League is BACK as new CEO reveals shock 2024 start date one year after fans beat ‘greedy’ plot

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      THE NEW chief of the failed European Super League has caused uproar by predicting that it will relaunch in 2024.Controversial plans for a European Super League first came to light in April 2021 until a backlash from fans quickly put an end to the project.
      Bernd Reichart has revealed the European Super League plans to relaunch in 2024Credit: AP
      A huge fan backlash led to the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ pulling out of the breakawayCredit: Getty
      All of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – pulled out of the original plans after huge protests.
      They were followed by Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
      But rebel clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have always remained keen on reviving the failed plot.
      And now A22 Sports Management, the company that represents the three clubs still keen on a Super League, are planning to revive the competition after appointing Bernd Reichart as their new chief executive on Tuesday.
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      He told the Financial Times: “We want to reach out to stakeholders in the European football community and broaden this vision. Even fans will have a lot of sympathy for the idea. It is a blank slate. Format will never be an obstacle.”
      The original proposal for the 12 clubs would have guaranteed them involvement regardless of their domestic performances – and that “closed shop” approach is something Reichart admits needs changing.

      He added: “There is a reassessment. There is a clearly stated move towards an open format and that permanent membership is off the table.
      “We want to see whether or not there is broader consensus about the problems facing European football.”
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      The Times have also revealed that the relaunch is down to fears that English clubs have become too dominant in Europe – despite only two Premier League clubs winning the Champions League in the last decade – in a dossier sent out to clubs.
      The three remaining ESL clubs are still in a legal battle with Uefa after accusing them of operating a monopoly in European football and claims they and Fifa broke European Union competition law by opposing its creation.
      Juventus and Barcelona both retweeted a video announcing Reichart’s appointment at A22 Sports Management in a show of support for him.
      Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey was one of the thousands to join in slamming the six Prem clubs that were plotting the ESL breakaway last year by saying: “This is greed personified, ripping the heart out of the English game, leaving clubs up and down the country to suffer after an awful year.
      “The consequences of these plans reach far and wide. The Government must step in to prevent a small number of greedy, rich owners destroying the game we all love.” More

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      ‘Our sport is SICK’ – Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus ‘set to launch ANOTHER bid to revive European Super League’

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      EUROPEAN heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are reportedly set to launch ANOTHER bid to create a Super League.Controversial plans for a European Super League first came to light in April 2021 until backlash from fans quickly put an end to the project.
      Florentino Perez has once again spoken on the need for football to “change”Credit: EPA
      The original European Super League was scrapped after protests from fansCredit: Getty
      But rebel clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have always remained keen on reviving the failed plot.
      And they are set to speak to clubs across Europe regarding a potential new format for their tournament after axing the idea of having permanent members, according to the Telegraph.
      All of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ pulled out of the original plans after huge protests from fans against the idea.
      But Real, Barca and Juve are reportedly set to try and drum up interest in the European Super League once again in the next weeks.
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      The trio of clubs are currently waiting on a judgement from the European Court of Justice on UEFA’s control of European football.
      If judges on December 15 don’t back UEFA as the sole organiser of club tournaments in Europe, the three teams will be able to press ahead with their plans.
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said at the club’s annual meeting last week that football is “sick” and needs to “change”.
      He said: “To fix a problem, you have to first recognise that you have a problem.
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      “Our sport is sick. It is losing its leadership as a global sport.
      “We mustn’t be confused by the impact of Real Madrid’s European Cup run when we were involved in seven games of the highest intensity and interest.
      “That was the result of the draw, and of the quality and greatness of our team. It was a spectacle that helped bring excitement back to the viewers.
      “That’s why we believe European competitions must change, to offer fans top-level games year-round between the strongest teams, with the best players competing.”
      Meanwhile, in an open letter to Juventus shareholders on Thursday, chairman Andrea Agnelli spoke about the financial dominance of the Premier League, which a Super League would stop.
      And Barcelona president Joan Laporta will reportedly mention the European Super League and club finances at a meeting on Sunday.
      Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said the Premier League is too financially dominatingCredit: Getty
      Barca president Joan Laporta is set to speak about the European Super LeagueCredit: AP More

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      Super League could be held without Premier League clubs in ‘football Brexit’ to end England’s superiority

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      ENGLISH clubs could be banned from a Super League in a controversial “football Brexit” move.Chelsea and Liverpool have both won the Champions League in the last three years while four of the last five runners-up have come from the Premier League.
      Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019 before Chelsea lifted the trophy two years laterCredit: Getty
      And now a Serie A club chief has suggested a “solution” to end English superiority with the exclusive competition.
      It comes just 16 months after the proposed breakaway European Super League.
      That plan – featuring the English ‘Big Six’ plus Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus – was thwarted within days as British football fans wrecked the rebels’ plans.
      All 12 teams have so far been allowed to continue in Uefa’s club tournaments – the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
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      But now there are suggestions of another Super League with the notable absentees.
      Adriano Galliani, former CEO and vice-president of AC Milan and now general manager at Monza, told Tuttosport: “It could be a solution – but without the English.
      “There should also be a ‘Brexit’ in football.
      “It would then be a real European championship, without the British.
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      “On the other hand, what do you think, that in April 2021 the English fled from the Super League because the fans didn’t want it?”
      English teams have benefited from massive TV broadcast deals and mammoth sponsorships, elevating the Premier League to the richest division in Europe.
      And Galliani is keen to help level out the playing field for the rest of the continent, especially after overseeing his hometown club’s promotion to the top flight in May for the first time in their 109-year history.
      But Monza simply cannot compete financially with the equivalent teams in England.
      He added: “The 20 clubs in the English Premier League make almost four times more than the 20 in the Italian Serie A.
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      “Monza gets 33million euros (£28m) in television rights, three of which must go as a donation to Serie B so a total of 30m (£25m).
      “A newly-promoted Premier League team earns 160m (£135m). How can I compete with Nottingham Forest?”
      Adriano Galliani wants a breakaway competition without English teamsCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus could be THROWN OUT of Champions League over continued European Super League plot

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      UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has sensationally claimed “of course it’s possible” for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus to be BANNED from the Champions League. The three European heavyweights are still keen on the idea of a European Super League.
      Real Madrid are set to contest this year’s Champions League final, but could be banned from the competitionCredit: Getty
      The radical plans, first put forward last year, saw nine out of the 12 responsible teams withdraw after huge backlash.
      Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are still involved, but last week a Madrid court lifted an injunction on Uefa that means Europe’s footballing governing body are free to sanction the clubs.
      The decision is subject to an appeal from the clubs, but Ceferin didn’t rule out banning the trio from Uefa competitions.
      He told French newspaper L’Equipe: “First, the decision can always be appealed. When the process is over, we can act…
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      “It is possible to punish any club… Some doubt it. They are wrong. The rules are the same for everyone.
      “And if I commented on what people say every day. They also complain that UEFA earns billions, while 93.5 per cent of the income goes to the clubs. How do you explain this if no one is listening?” 
      “Believe me or not, but all clubs are treated the same, whether they are from Slovenia, my country, or whether they are big names in European football.”
      Ceferin was then directly quizzed on the prospect of excluding Real, Barca and Juve from Uefa competitions.
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      And he admitted: “Of course it is possible. But it is the [decision of the] UEFA Disciplinary Committee, which is independent.”
      Real Madrid are 13-times winners of the tournament, and face Liverpool in this season’s final later this month.
      Barcelona and Juventus meanwhile both saw their campaigns ended at the group stages. More

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      Premier League teams fear Champions League changes could hurt their cash windfall from TV rights deal

      by

      PREM clubs fear the proposed changes to the Champions League could adversely impact top-flight TV deals.Uefa look set to confirm the 36-team competition will award two “coefficient places”, rewarding sides who missed out domestically but have the best Euro record over the previous five years.
      Steve Parish believes the changes to the Champions League are designed to give the big clubs what they wantCredit: Getty
      Crystal Palace supremo Steve Parish called it “Super League by the back door”.
      And his worries are shared, with clubs arguing the new system will amplify the current financial and sporting dominance of the Big Six — and make it harder for other clubs to catch up.
      If the top-four race loses its importance, the extra fear is that the broadcasters will decide the loss of the “jeopardy” element no longer justifies huge broadcast deals. This could mean a decline in income for all 20 clubs.
      Fifa’s last resort
      Fifa chiefs are working on ANOTHER plan to try to prevent “agreed” last-game results in the 2026 World Cup group phase.
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      Switching to a 48-team tournament, with 16 groups of three in the first round, raised concerns that teams drawn to play each other in the final match could come to unofficial arrangements to ensure both progress.
      Penalty shootouts after every drawn group game — in a tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and US — are one idea.
      Another option would see group winners stay in the same city for their second round, last-32 tie, rather than risk having to travel up to 2,500 miles and potentially cross THREE time zones.
      Plans for the 2026 World Cup are still being drawn upCredit: PA:Press Association
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      Wembley to host “Finalissima”
      Uefa’s link-up with South America was formalised by opening a joint London office.
      Wembley will host the sold-out “Finalissima” between Euro 2020 winners Italy and Copa America champions Argentina on June 1.
      And it is now planned to play an annual play-off between the winners of the Uefa Youth League and their South American counterparts, with a potential 50,000 crowd in Uruguay’s Centenario in Montevideo.
      Wembley is set to host the “Finalissima” between Italy and Argentina on June 1Credit: Getty
      Radrizzani to help Fifa streaming
      Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is playing a major role in Fifa’s planned delivery of 40,000 free live games per year worldwide.
      His sports media company Eleven will deliver the Fifa+ service to provide the new platform’s content.
      Wonder how many old films of Marcelo Bielsa’s teams he will be able to find?
      Andrea Radrizzani’s company Eleven will provide the Fifa+ streaming serviceCredit: Reuters More