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      Fifa president Gianni Infantino sets deadline to rid football of racism after shocking rise in vile incidents

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      FIFA president Gianni Infantino has given football THREE MONTHS to find a way of booting racism out of the game.The world football boss used an address to the Uefa Congress in Paris to call for a defining moment in the battle over racial discrimination.
      Fifa chief Gianni Infantino has set a deadline for football to give racism the bootCredit: AP
      Birmingham City star Juninho Bacuna claimed he had been racially abused by a West Brom fanCredit: Rex
      And Infantino has set May 17 at the Fifa Congress in Bangkok as his D-Day for football associations across the globe to get their act together.
      He has demanded point deductions for teams whose games are abandoned due to racist incidents, as well as criminal charges for those who commit racism.
      It follows abuse suffered by Coventry’s Kasey Palmer at Sheffield Wednesday while Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has regularly been racially taunted.
      AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan walked off the pitch after being targeted by Udinese fans in January and Brentford striker Ivan Toney was the subject of “vile harassment” online this week.
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      A man has also been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Birmingham midfielder Juninho Bacuna in their 1-0 defeat at West Brom last weekend.
      Infantino said: “In the last few months we have witnessed a lot of racist incidents. This is not acceptable any more.
      “We have to stop this and do whatever we can to stop it. Racism is a crime. It is something terrible and we have to eradicate it.”
      Fifa has a three-stage protocol, so a referee can stop a match when racist behaviour is heard from the stands.
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      A second incident sees a game suspended and a third means abandonment.
      Infantino says combating racism is his “top priority” and wants “joined up, global action” insisting “concrete” measures were now necessary, with the FA ready to step up and take more action.
      Watch Brazilian sides SIT for first 30 seconds of match in support of Vinicius Jr following racism storm
      He added: “The consequences have to be a forfeit against the team responsible for the abandonment.
      “We have to start criminal charges against those who act in a racist way and ban them from stadiums. But that is not enough.
      “In the next three months we must work together, before the Fifa Congress in Bangkok on May 17, to come together with a strong, united resolution for the fight against racism.
      “Let’s stop racism. Let’s stop it now.”
      Meanwhile, a fan who racially abused Forest Green’s Jordan Garrick has been jailed for nine months.
      Ryan Ferguson, 24, of Liverpool pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment, failing to  comply with a football banning order and resisting a police constable at Rovers’ League One clash with Fleetwood in April last year.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney was the subject of ‘vile harassment’ online this weekCredit: PA
      Coventry’s Kasey Palmer suffered racist abuse at Sheffield WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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      Bizarre Uefa rule that meant England couldn’t draw Kazakhstan in the Nations League as fans say ‘we’ve been robbed’

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      ENGLAND have been “robbed” of drawing Kazakhstan in their Uefa Nations League group, due to a little-known rule.England had already been drawn with Finland and Ireland in group 2, with Kazakhstan the next name to come out of the hat.
      Kazakhstan were the next team out of the hat for Group TwoCredit: UEFA
      But they were drawn in Group Three insteadCredit: UEFA
      But a rule that limits the distance Kazakhstan have to travel in Uefa competitions means they could not be put in a group with England and Ireland.
      Prior to the draw, it was agreed that Kazakhstan could only be drawn in a group with only one of England, Ireland and Wales.
      England were given Greece instead as the third team in B2.
      That saw Kazakhstan put into Group three instead, alongside Austria, Norway and Slovenia.
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      Fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) spoke of how they’d been robbed of the opportunity to travel to Kazakhstan.
      One fan wrote: “We’ve been robbed of getting Kazakhstan away. I’m in hysterics.”
      Another fan wrote: “Kazakhstan… The one that got away.”
      A third wrote: “3 new country ticks but its not the Kazakhstan draw I wanted..”
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      While a fourth travelling England fan said: “Sadly no Kazakhstan away for us.”
      As replacements go, Greece isn’t a bad replacement, however.
      How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024
      Fans will be travelling to Athens, where the team play in the Olympic Stadium.
      England have played Kazakhstan twice before in their history after being drawn in the same qualification group as them for the 2010 World Cup.
      England won the fixture at Wembley 5-1 in 2008 before thrashing them 4-0 in the away tie. More

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      Aleksander Ceferin announces shock decision to quit as Uefa president less than an hour after winning vote to stay on

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      UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stunned European football when he announced he will QUIT his role in 2027 – less than an hour after winning a vote to stay on for an extra FOUR years.In a bizarre turn of events, the Slovenian told a press conference of his intention BEFORE informing Uefa’s 55 member associations.
      Aleksander Ceferin will step down from his role as UEFA president in 2027Credit: Getty
      And it came after the FA was left isolated as the ONLY association to vote against giving Ceferin the right to stay in the role until 2031.
      Wembley chief executive Mark Bullingham objected to the change in Uefa’s ruling Statutes which mean that Ceferin’s initial three year term after replacing Fifa-bound Gianni Infantino in 2016 will no longer count as having been served.
      Yet shortly afterwards, Ceferin made a testy appearance in which he savaged former Croatia superstar Zvonimir Boban – who quit his Uefa role in protest at the proposed changes last month – and made his surprise announcement.
      Ceferin said: “Honestly speaking, I’m tired of Covid, I’m tired of two wars and this nonsense project of the so-called Super League.
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      “I’m also tired of self-proclaimed moral authorities who are moral just until it comes to their personal interests.
      “So I decided – let’s say around six months ago – that I’m not planning to run in 2027 anymore.
      “After some time, every organisation needs fresh blood.
      “But it is  mainly because I have been away from my family for seven years now, and I will be away from them for three more until 2027. My family knew it first.”
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      Ceferin added that he had told a select group of key advisors of his decision and swore them to secrecy.
      That included Boban, who he labelled a “clown” and was a “test” of their loyalty.
      Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five
      Ceferin added: “I intentionally didn’t want to disclose my thoughts for two reasons.
      “Firstly, I wanted to see the real face of some people and I saw it; I saw good and bad parts.
      “But I didn’t want to influence the Congress.
      “I wanted them to decide not knowing what I’m telling you today because that’s an honest decision.
      “It was actually amusing to watch all this hysteria around and at the same time getting all the messages of support from my federations.”
      Turning to Boban, whom he did not name, Ceferin spat: “Now just two sentences about the self proclaimed moral authority.
      “This person does not deserve a comment from my side but people who know him and we will make their own opinions.
      “And for his pathetic cry about morality. He was one of the rare persons that knew that I was not going to run in 2027.
      “The moment that he got the information that I would disclose it after Congress he went out with his narcissistic letter.
      “He could not wait because after my disclosure his whining would not make sense any more. Now think, whose personal aspirations are in question? And think, whose morality is in question?”
      Ceferin then left after just three questions, with general secretary Theodor Theodoridis revealing he was heading back to the Uefa hotel across the city to inform the national association chiefs during their lunch break.
      Ceferin’s unexpected move means the FA’s “principled” stance was not actually necessary.
      Despite that, Wembely chiefs insisted they would still have votted the same way even if they had been aware of Ceferin’s real intentions.
      An FA spokeswoman said: “It was always about the principle and didn’t only apply to Aleksander Ceferin.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “We were supportive of the statute changes proposed by UEFA, with the exception of the proposed new wording on term limits.
      “We have recently implemented governance changes of our own and think it’s important that we are consistent in our approach.” More

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      When is Uefa Nations League 2024/25? Draw, schedule, TV channel, kick-off times for international tournament

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      ENGLAND have yet to win a Uefa Nations League tournament, and they won’t be able to do it this time around either. The Three Lions were unceremoniously dumped out at the group stage last time out after a 4-0 thrashing at home to Hungary.
      Gareth Southgate will want to see more from his side should he remain manager beyond Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      England ended their campaign with a 3-3 draw against Germany.
      Gareth Southgate’s side have yet to reach further than the semi-final stage, which they reached in the 2019, losing 3-1 to Holland.
      Now they’ll be hoping they can advance from League B, where they could come up against Erling Haaland’s Norway.
      When is the draw?

      The Uefa Nations League draw takes place on Thursday February 8 2024.
      The draw will be held in Paris, France.
      It will get underway from 5pm UK time.

      Who could England play?
      England are in League B, and will be drawn against three other teams from each Pot.

      Pot 1: Austria, Czechia, England, Wales
      Pot 2: Finland, Ukraine, Iceland, Norway
      Pot 3: Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, Montenegro
      Pot 4: Georgia, Greece, Türkiye, Kazakhstan

      When is the Uefa Nations League?

      Matchday 1: 5-7 September 2024
      Matchday 2: 8-10 September 2024
      Matchday 3: 10-12 October 2024
      Matchday 4: 13-15 October 2024
      Matchday 5: 14-16 November 2024
      Matchday 6: 17-19 November 2024

      Knockout round play-off draw: November 2024
      Knockout round play-offs: 20-25 March 2025
      League A quarter-finals: 20-25 March 2025
      Final tournament: 4-8 June 2025

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      What channel is the UEFA Nations League?

      England games at the Uefa Nations League will be shown live on Channel 4 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action for FREE from the All 4 app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The rest of the games are available to watch on Viaplay in the UK. More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool only two of Prem’s Big Six NOT to reject new Super League plot as football descends into war again

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      FOOTBALL was thrust into an all-out Super League scrap last night.Judges decided Uefa CANNOT punish any breakaway rebels.
      Stan Kroenke’s Arsenal are yet to come out against the reformed Super LeagueCredit: PA
      John W Henry’s Liverpool were part of the original ‘Dirty Dozen’ and have also stayed silentCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The shock ruling opened up a second attempt to form a new competition.
      Last night Arsenal and Liverpool were the only Big Six outfits yet to reject a second version of the scheme, which is loathed by fans.
      And the Government warned they will try to ban clubs from joining it under new laws.
      Nearly three years after the initial plot collapsed in 48 hours, European Court of Justice yesterday ruled that Uefa “abused a dominant position” when it threatened sanctions against the breakaway clubs.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      Judges in the Luxembourg court insisted it was not ruling on the merits of the Super League concept but only Uefa’s attempt to “unlawfully” block its development.
      The shock decision opened the door to a second attempt to form a new competition — led by Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      Within hours, Super League’s PR firm A22 unveiled a new 64-team competition split into three tiers and effectively ring-fencing Europe’s elite teams at the top of the pile.
      It was met for anger and derision from fans — but is sure to tempt owners of European giants.
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      A22 boss Bernd Reichart hailed: “Under our plan, clubs that almost never play each other would compete regularly on the European stage.
      “It will guarantee fantastic, exciting matches through the entire year, not just part of the year.
      “We are now talking about an open, accessible, meritocratic league system in Europe side by side with domestic leagues, late mid-week leaving the national leagues untouched.
      “If we convince clubs and convince their fans, why wouldn’t fans not join?”
      We will not try to stop them. They can create whatever they want. I hope they start their fantastic competition as soon as possible, with two clubs. Football is not for sale.Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin
      Fifa, Uefa, the Premier League and the influential European Club Association all joined the furious backlash, insisting that protecting the current system was essential for the good of the game.
      Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin conceded he had lost the sanctions threat and could not ban rebel players from playing in the Euros or World Cup.
      But he mocked: “I watched the so-called presentation and didn’t know whether to be shocked or amused.
      “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.
      “We will not try to stop them. They can create whatever they want. I hope they start their fantastic competition as soon as possible, with two clubs. Football is not for sale.”
      ‘European Zombie League’
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino appeared to agree with Ceferin but added: “With the greatest respect for the European Court of Justice, today’s judgement does not change anything, really.”
      Manchester United, one of the Big Six to initially sign up to the £3bn scheme in 2021, came out in support of the status quo, joined by Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
      United 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.”
      It took some five hours for Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham to follow suit with similar statements.
      Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid were among those to rule themselves out of A22’s plan.
      But none of Arsenal, Liverpool or Newcastle made ANY comment.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Barcelona were crowing at the victory and Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentis — omitted from the original ‘Dirty Dozen’ rebels — signalled he was ready to sign up to any new plan.
      Arsenal fans protested against the initial plot three years agoCredit: Alamy
      The original breakaway plot was stopped by furious fans across the continentCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “European club football is not and will never be a monopoly again.
      “The Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and football and its fans have also triumphed.”
      That feeling of “triumph” was not shared by the fans. The Football Supporters Federation blasted the “European Zombie League” and added: “There is no place for an ill-conceived breakaway.
      “Supporters, players and clubs have already made clear they don’t want a stitched-up competition.”
      In its response the Prem pointed out the judgement “does not endorse the so-called Super League” and promised to “continue to reject any such concept”.
      The Government added its new Independent Regulator would have the power to block any English clubs from joining the rebels.
      Read more on The Sun
      It said: “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 will shortly be bringing forward legislation that will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.” More

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      European Super League chief vows to make every single match FREE as Barcelona and Real Madrid release shock statements

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      EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE matches are set to be made free to watch for all fans.The controversial proposal could make a comeback after a court ruled that Fifa and Uefa acted unlawfully when they blocked its formation in 2021.
      Bernd Reichart wants ESL matches to be free for fans to watchCredit: Getty
      Following the decision from judges, Barcelona and Real Madrid expressed their delight that the plan is back on the table.
      A22 Sports are the group behind the European Super League and their CEO Bernd Reichart promises all games will be broadcast free of charge for supporters.
      He said: “The Uefa monopoly is over. Football is free.
      “Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “For fans, we propose free viewing of all Super League matches.
      “For club, revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
      English clubs are set to be BANNED from the ESL due to government legislation.
      This is following the fan-led review and soon to begin independent regulator that has put in place to manage the beautiful game in the UK and block sides from breaking away to other divisions.
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      Meanwhile, A22 Sports have released their potential format of the tournament that will replace the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues.
      It features 64 teams, three tiers, an end of season knockout phase, and no permanent members.
      Real Madrid have backed the idea and their club statement read: “European club football is not and will never again be a monopoly. 
      “From today the clubs will be the masters of their destiny.
      “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.
      “We once again have the duty and responsibility to give European football the new impetus it so badly needs. 
      “And to achieve 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 Barcelona statement added: “Barcelona wishes to express its satisfaction with the sentence of the European Court of Justice assessing the Super League project.
      Read more on The Sun
      “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe.
      “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.” More

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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