Explore the seismic impact of the European Court of Justice ruling on the European Super League, analyzing the divide between UEFA and clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Delve into the proposed ESL structure, dissenting clubs’ steadfast rejection, and the broader implications on football’s future governance and integrity
The recent ruling by the European Court of Justice has thrust the footballing world into a heated debate. The decision, marking UEFA and FIFA’s alleged breach of competition laws in obstructing the European Super League (ESL) formation in 2021, stands as a watershed moment in the sport’s history.
European Super League Ruling?
Real Madrid and Barcelona, stalwarts of the game, have reaffirmed their steadfast support for the ESL, interpreting the court’s ruling as a liberation from potential sanctions. Their stance resonates with Bernd Reichart, the Super League CEO, who heralds the end of UEFA’s monopoly, championing clubs’ newfound autonomy in shaping their futures.
The proposed ESL structure is ambitious, envisioning a tiered system encompassing 64 teams across Star, Gold, and Blue leagues. Central to its ethos is the promotion of sporting merit, eschewing permanent memberships in favor of an annual promotion and relegation framework designed to infuse vitality and fairness into the competitions.
Conversely, UEFA stands resolute despite acknowledging deficiencies in their pre-authorization protocols. Expressing confidence in their revamped regulations, UEFA underscores compliance with European laws while reiterating their dedication to preserving the integrity of the European football pyramid. Collaborative efforts with stakeholders are emphasized to fortify a solidarity-based model fortified by legal safeguards.
Amidst this divide, a chorus of dissent emerges from several prominent clubs and leagues. Manchester United, FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Premier League, AS Monaco, Feyenoord, FC Copenhagen, Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool have firmly rebuffed the ESL. Their unified stance accentuates their commitment to existing competitions, valuing the principles of open competition, sporting merit, and fan engagement.
Despite widespread opposition, Real Madrid and Barcelona remain isolated in their support for the ESL, standing as outliers in the footballing landscape, hinting at potential schisms within the sport.
The ESL verdict has ignited fervent discussions on football governance, spotlighting the confluence of commercial interests and the sanctity of the game. The evolving narrative underscores clubs’ aspirations to navigate an ever-changing football ecosystem while upholding tradition, fairness, and the essence of the sport.
As legal and ideological battles persist, the footballing realm braces itself for consequential developments that could reshape the landscape of the beautiful game, steering its trajectory into uncharted territories.
Super League potential format:
🔢 64 teams.
📊 3 divisions (Star, Gold, and Blue) with promotions and relegations.
⚽️ 14 games each season per team.
🏡 7 at home.
🛫 7 away.
🔓 It will be an open competition
⚔️ Two phases: League and playoffs.
Every Club & League Decision on Super League:
Statement of Manchester United rejecting the Super League:
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.
Statement of FC Bayern rejecting the Super League:
It’s very clear: the door to the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed. Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statistics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says.
Statement of Borussia Dortmund rejecting the Super League:
As club CEO Watzke confirms, we are not available for the Super League.
Statement of PSG rejecting the Super League:
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 recognized stakeholders in European football – above all with the fans and players, who are at the heart of the game.
Official statement of Premier League rejecting the Super League:
Today’s ruling does not endorse the 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.
Statement of As Monaco rejecting the Super League:
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 Professional, and with other clubs through the ECA, to participate progressively and collectively in the development of football.
Statement of Feyenoord rejecting the Super League:
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 about whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and 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.
Statement of FC Copenhagen rejecting the Super League:
FC Copenhagen takes note of the judgment which in NO way endorses any Super League project. As a club, we remain 100% committed to working through ECA alongside our fellow European clubs.
Statement of Manchester City rejecting the Super League:
Manchester City has rejected the Super League official club statement confirms. Our position on this topic has not changed since 2021 we are completely out of the Super League. We remain committed to working with fellow clubs through ECA to participate in UEFA competitions.
Statement of Tottenham rejecting the Super League:
Official, Tottenham have rejected the Super League club statement also confirms. Our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions.
Statement of Chelsea rejecting the Super League:
Official, Chelsea rejects the Super League. Our position has NOT changed. We firmly believe that, by working with the Premier League, FA, and other European clubs through our strong relationship with the ECA, UEFA, and FIFA, we can together continue to develop the European game for the benefit of everyone.
Statement of Arsenal rejecting the Super League:
Arsenal announces their decision to reject the Super League, club confirms. Our position concerning the European Super League has not changed. We will continue to play in UEFA competitions and continue to work with fellow European clubs and the European Club Association.
Statement of Liverpool rejecting the Super League:
Liverpool statement confirms club has NO plans to join the Super League. The ruling by the European Court of Justice does not change Liverpool FC’s previous stance on a proposed European Super League. Our involvement has been discontinued. We will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions.
More rejections on the Super League:
Premier League, BVB, Inter, Roma, AS Monaco, Girona, Real Sociedad, Atalanta, and Feyenoord have all made statements 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 Super League. Premier League continues to reject any such concept”, a statement released today has confirmed.
The only two clubs to officially support the Super League as of now are Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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