Plans for new three-tier European Super League unveiled in bid to 'unleash the full potential of European club football'
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Updated 21/12/2023 at 15:26 GMT
Just hours after the European Court of Justice ruled that FIFA and UEFA acted unlawfully in blocking the European Super League (ESL) in 2021, A22, the backers of the ESL, have announced their new proposal for the breakaway competition. If successful, it will feature a 64-team men's tournament and 32-team women's tournament, with no permanent members and participation based on sporting merit.
European Court of Justice rules that blocking Super League project was unlawful
A22 have outlined plans for a new three-tier European Super League just hours after the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted unlawfully to block the formation of the prospective venture in 2021.
Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, welcomed the ECJ decision, before quickly unveiling the updated structure of the ESL.
One of the major criticisms of the initial plan in 2021 was its closed-shop nature, but Reichart has addressed that concern.
The competition would be made up of men’s and women’s tournaments and be based on sporting merit with no permanent members. It would also be available on a new, free digital platform.
“At the heart of our vision are 64 men’s and 32 women’s teams playing midweek in a league system across Europe with competitive drama and decisive matches throughout the entire football season,” a statement reads on the A22 website.
The new proposed men’s competition includes 64 teams across three leagues - Star, Gold and Blue.
The Star and Gold leagues will be the top tiers and be made up of 16 teams each, while 32 teams will be in the bottom-tier Blue League.
Clubs would play home and away matches in groups of eight, with the top eight qualifying for an end-of season knockout stage to determine league champions.
Quarter-finals, semi-finals would be played over two legs ahead of the final, which would be held at a neutral venue.
The teams that make the final of the Blue and Gold Leagues would earn promotion, while the two sides who finish at the bottom of the Star and Gold Leagues would be relegated.
The bottom 20 finishers in the Blue League would lose their place in the ESL completely and be replaced by other European clubs.
The women's competition would feature 32 teams and follow a similar format. The Star and Gold Leagues would consist of 16 teams each, with clubs then split into groups of eight before the knockout stage.
"Our aim is clear: to work with clubs and other stakeholders to create the best competition - one loved by fans in Europe and around the world," Reichart said.
"At the same time, we must create a more sustainable football ecosystem, including both the men’s and women’s game, to unleash the full potential of European club football."
Manchester United, who were one of the 12 clubs to sign up for the ESL when it was first announced back in 2021, have issued a statement on today's news.
"Our position has not changed," it reads. "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."
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