European Super League LIVE: A22’s breakaway format won’t include Premier League clubs after ‘ban’ claims

The controversial European Super League is set to relaunch with new tournament plans this morning, after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling.

The ECJ ruled that Uefa and Fifa both acted “unlawfully” by blocking the rebel tournament when it initially launched in 2021. However, while the ruling stated that the governing bodies had “abused their dominant position” by forbidding the creation of any new club competitions, it also stressed that doesn’t mean the Super League project has to be approved in the future.

A22, the company backing the European Super League, gleefully declared that “the Uefa monopoly is over” and that “football is free”, while LaLiga released a statement condemning the Super League as “a selfish and elitist model”.

Following today’s ruling, A22 is announcing a new proposal for men’s and women’s midweek European Competitions at 11am GMT. In a change from the previous European Super League plans, participation will apparently be based on sporting merit, there will be no permanent members and the league will feature promotion and relegation.

Follow the latest updates and news from Luxembourg below:

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

• Super League given fresh hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked project

• European Court of Justice determines breach of EU law to forbid the competition

• ECJ stressed that it doesn’t mean the Super League must be approved

• A22, company backing the Super League, announces controversial plans for new tournament

• Barcelona and Real Madrid release statements back new plans

• Manchester United, Bayern Munich and other clubs reject Super League proposals

• UK Government hopes to introduce independent regulator and ban English clubs from joining

Uefa hits back at European Super League after European Court of Justice ruling

15:45 , Mike Jones

Uefa has said that it remains confident it can continue to uphold the European football pyramid despite a ruling against the body at the European Court of Justice.

The ECJ’s Grand Chamber found that Uefa and Fifa had acted outside of European Union law when blocking the original plans for a European Super League in April 2021.

The proposed breakaway venture quickly collapsed after the withdrawal of six Premier League clubs, who were among 12 original members for a closed shop league. A22 Sports have since revamped their idea to an open competition.

Uefa hits back at European Super League after ECJ court ruling

Premier League responds to new European Super League plans

15:30 , Mike Jones

The Premier League has said it “continues to reject any concept” of a European Super League as opposition continues to new proposals put forward regarding a possible breakaway.

Empowered by a ruling by the European Court of Justice that found that Uefa had acted unlawfully in blocking the original proposal in 2021, a revamped, expanded Super League plan has been detailed.

A 64-team men’s competition would feature three tiers with promotion and relegation, while a women’s tournament has also been proposed.

Six Premier League clubs were part of a group of 12 part of the initial proposal two-and-a-half years ago, but all six backed out after facing significant opposition from fans.

Premier League responds to new European Super League plans

Ask Miguel Delaney anything as European Super League launches radical new plan for football

15:23 , Mike Jones

The controversial European Super League has announced it will relaunch, unveiling plans for a new tournament after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling.

The competition was initially launched in 2021 with 12 founding members – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid – who would permanently take part in the competition.

The plan quickly collapsed after the six Premier League clubs pulled out within 24 hours in the face of fierce criticism from supporters, pundits, clubs and the media, but Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid remained committed to the concept.

Now, the European Super League has tabled plans to return, crucially removing the “closed shop” format that would have seen its founding members be immune from relegation.

Ask Miguel Delaney anything as ESL launches radical new plan for football

Super League given fresh hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked controversial project

15:15 , Mike Jones

The controversial European Super League was given fresh hope of revival after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling.

The Grand Chamber of the ECJ had been debating whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the European Super League in 2021 and sanctioning clubs involved, but has ruled that the regulations at the time concerning the breakaway were inadequate and that the governing bodies acted “unlawfully” in blocking the rebel tournament.

The EU’s top court ruled that Fifa and Uefa abused their dominant position by forbidding clubs outright to compete in a ESL, but added that the Super League may still not be approved.

Super League given hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked project

Man City reach the top of European football while fighting financial charges

15:00 , Mike Jones

After years of near misses, 2023 was when everything came together on the pitch for Manchester City and they finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy.

Their triumph on a glorious June evening in Istanbul, sealed with a fine Rodri strike against Inter Milan, capped a memorable campaign in which they also retained the Premier League and won the FA Cup.

It was a treble achieved only once previously, by Manchester United, and City left their rivals in no doubt as to where the power now lies along the way as they swatted them aside at Wembley.

Man City reach the top of European football while fighting financial charges

Latest update from the Premier League

14:53 , Mike Jones

Here’s what the Premier League had to say about today’s ruling and announcements:

“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.

“These principles are enshrined in the Premier League Owners’ Charter, introduced in June 2022, which aims to improve the collective strength and competitiveness of the League in the best interests of the wider game.

“Since 2021, the Premier League, alongside other football bodies, has also strengthened its rules and governance in this area.

“The Premier League will continue to engage in an open and constructive dialogue, with all relevant football stakeholders, on how best to protect and enhance the complementary balance of domestic and international club football.”

Sunak will ban Premier League clubs from joining European Super League

14:45 , Mike Jones

Rishi Sunak’s government has vowed to ban Premier League clubs from joining the European Super League, as the breakaway venture attempts a relaunch.

The European Court of Justice ruled that Uefa and Fifa acted unlawfully by stopping the league – opening up fresh efforts by A22 Sports to kick-start the controversial project.

The “big six” English clubs sparked outrage from their own fans and opposition from Boris Johnson’s government in 2021 when they secretly agreed to play in a new European Super League.

Sunak will ban Premier League clubs from joining European Super League

ECJ ruling leaves one question: Is the European Super League really back?

14:36 , Mike Jones

Amid the thousands of words in the European Court of Justice ruling, as well as those in the immediate relaunch of the European Super League, the only ones that really matter are whether the project can go ahead.

The answer is that it remains complicated, and all advantage still lies with Uefa, as well as sporting governing bodies generally. The Super League is still subject to Uefa’s authorisation rules and procedures, those rules just have to be more transparent.

The end result of all of this was that Uefa have to amend and update their rules on the pre-authorisation of new competitions, and make them compliant with European Union law. Uefa was rebuked for the procedure of its laws rather than the substance. The old rules, which are in the process of changing, were criticised. That doesn’t mean it was wrong to have such rules.

After ECJ’s ruling, is the European Super League really back?

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

14:30 , Mike Jones

Why is it back now?

After its defeat in 2021, the European Super League returned with a new format, crucially removing the “closed shop” format that would have seen its founding members be immune from relegation.

A22 claims to have consulted with nearly 50 European clubs since October last year and developed 10 principles based on that consultation which underpin its plans for a new-look league. The people involved with the European Super League believe football across the continent is in danger and they are the self-appointed guardians to save it.

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

14:24 , Mike Jones

What happened to the European Super League in 2021?

It was a rare triumph of fan power when the European Super League first tried to launch back in April 2021 as immediate, sustained protests from across the football community caused the clubs involved to scuttle away with their tail between their legs.

The competition was initially launched with 12 founding members – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid – who would permanently take part in the competition.

The plan quickly collapsed after the six Premier League clubs pulled out within 24 hours in the face of fierce criticism from supporters, pundits, clubs and the media, but Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid remained committed to the concept.

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

14:18 , Mike Jones

Who is supporting the new European Super League?

Clubs from all over Europe have come out to speak against the new proposal from A22, including the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United released a form statement, saying: “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 also spoke against the proposal, saying: “The Bundesliga forms the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues form the foundation of European football clubs.

“Therefore, it is our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not weaken them. We also support the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So once again it’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.”

However, Real Madrid and Barcelona spoke favourably following the ruling.

Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez 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.

“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.”

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

14:11 , Mike Jones

Will Premier League clubs join the new European Super League?

The controversial European Super League was given new hopes of a revival following a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice.

However, Premier League clubs may still be unable to join the breakaway competition.

Will Premier League clubs join the new European Super League?

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

14:04 , Mike Jones

What about the Premier League?

Even if a revised European Super League does get the green light, it appears as if Premier League clubs will still be unable to join. The UK is no longer bound by EU law since Brexit and the UK government’s Department of Culture, Media & Sport released a statement that indicated a bill about to pass into law, which sets up a new independent football regulator, would stop English clubs signing up for a breakaway competition.

“The attempt to create a breakaway competition was a defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the Government,” said a DCMS spokesperson.

“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. 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.”

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

13:56 , Mike Jones

What do we know about the new European Super League?

Following the landmark ruling, A22 – the organisation behind the Super League – announced a new proposal for men’s and women’s midweek European competitions with participation based on sporting merit with promotion/relegation between leagues, no permanent members and all Super League matches being free to watch.

The specifics of the format are outlined here, but essentially the men’s competition would see 64 teams split into a three-division system, with 16 clubs in each of the top two leagues and 32 clubs in the third. They would then be further split into divisions of eight with a knockout system at the end to determine the champions of each league.

The women’s competition would be largely the same but without the 32-team third tier, meaning just two leagues of 16 teams, so 32 clubs in total involved. There would be relegation between the leagues in both competitions and club could earn promotion into the bottom tier based on performances in their domestic league.

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

13:48 , Mike Jones

What does this mean?

It is unclear what the ruling will mean in practice, although supporters of the European Super League say that Uefa has been undermined and that their plans have been emboldened. As of yet there is no clear path for a resurgence of the breakaway.

The ECJ judgement added: “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 judgment.”

Sunak will ban Premier League clubs from joining European Super League

13:44 , Mike Jones

Rishi Sunak’s government has vowed to ban Premier League clubs from joining the European Super League, as the controversial breakaway venture attempts a relaunch.

The Department from Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has made clear that forthcoming legislation, the Football Governance Bill, will stop British clubs from joining.

A spokesperson said the previous attempt to create a breakaway league – involving England’s big six – was a “defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the government”.

They added: “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.

“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.”

Sunak will ban Premier League clubs from joining European Super League

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

13:42 , Mike Jones

What has been decided today?

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice ruled that Uefa and Fifa acted ”unlawfully” by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021.

In its ruling, the ECJ stated: “The Fifa and Uefa rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the Super League, are contrary to EU law. They are contrary to competition law and the freedom to provide services.

“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.”

A22, the company backing the European Super League, said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We have won the right to compete. The Uefa-monopoly is over. Football is free.

“Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures.”

The decision by the ECJ is binding and not subject to appeal.

European Super League verdict explained: Everything you need to know after ECJ ruling

13:35 , Mike Jones

The European Super League “judgement day” and the decision that could shape the future of football has been made against Uefa and Fifa.

First launched in 2021, the European Super League proposed a breakaway competition involving some of Europe’s biggest teams in a “closed shop” format.

The controversial plans were met with fierce opposition from fans and the football’s governing bodies, leading to its stunning collapse within days of being launched.

But, the European Super League wasn’t actually killed off, and the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice has ruled that the regulations at the time concerning the breakaway were inadequate and that the governing bodies acted “unlawfully” in blocking the rebel tournament.

Now, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice has delivered its verdict on the case, in what is a huge moment for the sport.

13:28 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have said that they remain “fully committed” to working with Uefa as a number of clubs come out against new proposals for a European Super League.

The Super League project was given renewed life by a ruling at the European Court of Justice that found that Uefa had acted unlawfully in blocking the original plans for the competition in April 2021.

A22 Sports, the company behind the idea, have subsequently unveiled new, revamped plans for a midweek tournament comprising 64 men’s clubs in three tiers, as well as a 32-team women’s competition.

Manchester United were one of six Premier League clubs included among 12 backers of the project two and a half years ago, but soon pulled out after significant opposition from English fans.

Manchester United lead clubs’ rejection of European Super League

Tom Lockyer released from hospital following collapse during Luton’s match against Bournemouth

13:16 , Mike Jones

In more positive news away from Europe, Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer has been released from hospital following his on-field collapse during Luton’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Full details here:

Tom Lockyer released from hospital following collapse during Luton match

‘Earn it on the pitch'

13:10 , Mike Jones

Spanish clubs, Sevilla, posted this graphic on their official X account, seemingly in response to the news that the European Super League may be making a comeback:

Bayern Munich CEO addresses Super League concerns

13:06 , Mike Jones

Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champions, claim the creation of a European Super League ‘represents an attack on domestic leagues and European football’.

Their statement says: “Following today’s ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the subject of the Super League, Jan-Christian Dreesen , CEO of FC Bayern and Vice-Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), commented as follows:

“We have taken note of the judgment of the European Court of Justice. However, this does not change the attitude of FC Bayern and the attitude of the ECA that such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the statics of European football.

“The Bundesliga forms the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues form the foundation of European football clubs.

“Therefore, it is our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not weaken them. We also support the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So once again it’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.”

European Super League proposal

13:02 , Mike Jones

Here’s an explainer - released by A22 who will run the new competition - about the European Super League:

Atletico Madrid rejects ESL proposal

12:56 , Mike Jones

Atletico Madrid has become the latest club to decry A22’s proposal for a new European Super League and released this statement on their website:

“Atletico de Madrid after analyzing the ruling of the European Court of Justice, would like to express the following:

“1. The resolution regarding the framework for prior authorization of other competitions refers to outdated UEFA statutes that were already amended in June 2022.

“2. The European Club Association (ECA) and UEFA have established a partnership that renders the consideration of UEFA as a monopoly meaningless. Through agreements within this joint venture, clubs decide 50% on the sale of sponsorship and television rights, revenue distribution, and competition formats.

“3. The European football community does not support the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. oppose the Super League. We advocate for protecting the broader European football family, preserving domestic leagues, and securing qualification for European competitions through on-field performance each season.”

Manchester United release statement on ESL ruling

12:52 , Mike Jones

In response to the ruling that Uefa and Fifa’s blocking of the European Super League was unlawful, Manchester United - one of the English clubs to sign up the first edition of the ESL - released this statement:

“Manchester United has issued the following statement in reaction to today’s judgement by the European Court of Justice on the European 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.”

Breaking down the new ESL format

12:45 , Mike Jones

The proposal for a European Super League claims to be based on footballing merit but only has two of the 16 teams in the top (Star) tier relegated each season and two teams from the second (Gold) tier promoted.

That means the top division will barely change and the current big European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and even Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool (if they’re allowed to compete) will all likely remain in the main league.

The European Super League should therefore feature most of the same teams season in and season out which is just what the original idea intended as a way of negating financial losses for clubs that fail to qualify for the current Champions League.

This small attempt at a ‘football pyramid’ allows the ESL to claim that the leagues are based on merit while also almost eradicating any consequences of failure for the big clubs.

Super League given fresh hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked controversial project

12:37 , Mike Jones

The controversial European Super League was given fresh hope of revival after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling.

The Grand Chamber of the ECJ had been debating whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the European Super League in 2021 and sanctioning clubs involved, but has ruled that the regulations at the time concerning the breakaway were inadequate and that the governing bodies acted “unlawfully” in blocking the rebel tournament.

The EU’s top court ruled that Fifa and Uefa abused their dominant position by forbidding clubs outright to compete in a ESL, but added that the Super League may still not be approved.

Super League given hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked project

A22 celebrating the ‘end of Uefa’s monopoly'

12:30 , Mike Jones

“We have won the right to compete. The Uefa monopoly is over. Football is free,” said A22 CEO Bernd Reichart. “Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures.”

In addition to the Uefa ban, the Super League’s initial plans that were launched in April 2021 went down in flames due to huge backlash from fans – specifically surrounding the breakaway tournament being a ‘closed shop’ protecting big teams with no promotion or relegation and no indication of a women’s competition.

Following the ECJ ruling, the Super League has now relaunched with a new format – proposing men’s and women’s midweek European competitions with promotion and relegation included and all Super League matches being free to watch.

“The Court of Justice of the European Union today announced its ruling in the case regarding the anti-competitive practices of Uefa – ending its 69-year monopoly in cross-border club football in Europe,” said A22. “This clears the path for clubs to organise and manage pan-European football competitions.

“Following today’s landmark ruling, A22 announces a new proposal for men’s and women’s midweek European competitions with participation based on sporting merit with promotion/relegation and no permanent members.

“The proposal also includes innovative plans to launch the world’s leading direct-to-fan sports streaming platform, where billions of fans would be able to watch live all Super League matches for free.”

What about the women’s competition?

12:23 , Mike Jones

Well, the women’s one is similar to the men’s but without the third tier essentially, so would comprise of 32 teams across two tiers.

But when it comes to relegation, again the bottom two from the top league would be replaced by the finalists of the one below. While in that league, four clubs would leave and be replaced by others based on domestic league performances.

How would teams qualify for the new Super League?

12:17 , Mike Jones

It is unclear how teams would be initially allocated into the leagues only that in the initial year of the competition, clubs will be selected based upon an index of transparent, performance-based criteria.

Once there, the bottom two from the top league would be replaced by the second-tier finalists.

The same would be the case between the ‘gold’ and ‘blue’ leagues. While for the third-tier, 20 of the 32 clubs will leave the competition altogether, replaced by those merited on domestic performance.

Ask Miguel Delaney anything about new ESL plans

12:12 , Luke Baker

What do these new plans mean for European football? How would a European Super League actually work? And how do the latest proposals compare to previous, controversial plans?

Which clubs are backing the ESL? And, with today’s ruling, what timeline can fans expect for the plans to come to life, if at all?

If you have a question for our chief football writer Miguel Delaney, submit it here for The Independent’s latest “Ask Me Anything” event.

Ask Miguel Delaney anything as ESL launches radical new plan for football

What would the new European Super League look like?

12:05 , Mike Jones

Following the landmark judgement, A22, the company backing the European Super League live-streamed a video where it laid out its plans for the new men’s and women’s competitions.

The new proposed men’s competition is a three-tier structure with 64 teams taking part, chief executive officer Bernd Reichart repeatedly insisted that there would be no permanent members

The 64 teams would be split into three tiers, slightly uninspiringly called Star, Gold and Blue. The top tier or ‘star’ league would have 16 teams, as would Gold, while Blue would have 32 teams.

The top two tiers would have two groups of eight with each team playing 14 matches, seven home and seven away, with the top four from each group going into a two-legged quarter and semi-final stage before a final on a neutral venue.

The Blue league would comprise of 32 teams in four groups of eight with the top two of each going into the two-legged quarters and semi-finals stage.

Why Premier League clubs may never join the European Super League

12:00 , Mike Jones

Will Premier League clubs be able to join the new Super League?

It appears as though Premier League clubs will not be able to join, even if the new proposal does get approved.

The UK government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport released a statement that indicated a bill about to pass into law, which sets up a new independent football regulator, would make it illegal for British clubs to join a breakaway 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,” said a DCMS spokesperson.

“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. 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.”

The UK is no longer bound by EU law since Brexit, so clubs would not be able to appeal to the European Court of Justice.

Is the European Super League really back?

11:53 , Mike Jones

Amid the thousands of words in the European Court of Justice ruling, as well as those in the immediate relaunch of the European Super League, the only ones that really matter are whether the project can go ahead.

The answer is that it remains immensely complicated, and all advantage still lies with Uefa, as well as sporting governing bodies generally. The Super League is still subject to authorisation rules and procedures, they just have to be transparent.

The end result of all of this was that they just have to amend and update their rules on pre-authorisation and make them compliant with European Union law. The headlines that were immediately fixated upon basically meant that Uefa was rebuked for the procedure of its laws rather than the substance. The old rules were criticised. That doesn’t mean they were wrong to have such rules.

Is the European Super League really back?

Super League to be shown on new streaming platform

11:45 , Mike Jones

A huge part of A22’s announcement for a new European Super League was that the games will be available to watch for free. That is because all the matches will be viewed on a new streaming platform called Unify.

A22 says: “Unify is our proposal for a state-of-the-art digital streaming platform. It will democratise football by allowing fans everywhere to watch new European Super League games for free.

“Unify has the potential to be the leading direct-to-fan sports streaming platform in the world, bringing billions of fans closer to the game than ever before. In addition to live matches, the platform will offer highlights, match insights and analysis, club-specific content, and many other interactive options. It will allow fans to connect as never before with their favourite clubs and players as well as with friends and fan communities.

“All men’s and women’s league matches would be distributed side by side, taking “centre stage” on the platform. With Unify, the women’s game would finally have the global platform it deserves.

“The Unify Platform will offer a tiered model. The advertising-supported free tier will allow fans to watch live new European Super League matches for free. Subscription tiers would also be offered for those who prefer to view matches with minimal advertising while enjoying advanced features such as favourite camera angles, live match data and other interactive options. Distribution partnerships with broadcasters, streaming services, clubs and content providers will also be an important component of the Unify experience to ensure ease of access for fans.”

Uefa hits back at European Super League after European Court of Justice ruling

11:39 , Mike Jones

Uefa has said that it remains confident it can continue to uphold the European football pyramid despite a ruling against the body at the European Court of Justice.

The ECJ’s Grand Chamber found that Uefa and Fifa had acted outside of European Union law when blocking the original plans for a European Super League in April 2021.

The proposed breakaway venture quickly collapsed after the withdrawal of six Premier League clubs, who were among 12 original members for a closed shop league. A22 Sports have since revamped their idea to an open competition.

Uefa hits back at European Super League after ECJ court ruling

New European Super League announced by A22

11:35 , Mike Jones

Bernd Reichart said: “We will continue and expand our dialogue with football stakeholders to explain and further develop the proposal.

“Our job is to empower the clubs that will constitute and manage the new competition – and help them create the football you dream of.”

New European Super League announced by A22

11:30 , Mike Jones

A22 says that the new Super League will be free to watch for fans.

“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”.

Florentino Perez talks European Super League

11:27 , Mike Jones

Real Madrid president has had his say on the creation of a new 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”.

European Super League launches radical new plan for football

11:24 , Mike Jones

The European Super League (ESL) have launched a radical new plan to overhaul football after a landmark court ruling determined that Uefa had violated EU competition law by forbidding the project initially.

The European Court of Justice ruled that football’s governing bodies acted “unlawfully” by blocking the breakaway league – stating that Fifa and Uefa abused their dominant position by forbidding clubs outright to compete in the ESL, although added that the Super League may still not be approved.

Sports development company A22, formed to assist in the creation of the ESL, celebrated the ruling and heralded a new dawn for the sport.

European Super League launches radical new plan for football

FSA response to today's European Super League case

11:17 , Mike Jones

The Football Supporters’ Association has released a statement of their own saying that there is no place for a breakaway competition.

You can read it here:

New European Super League announced by A22

11:14 , Mike Jones

At the end of the season, there will be a knockout competition to determine which teams go on to win the trophy as well as which teams can gain promotion to a higher league.

New European Super League announced by A22

11:12 , Mike Jones

The first two tiers, Star and Gold, will consist of 16 teams each with the Blue league having 32 teams. Clubs are to play home and away matches in groups of 8 with a minimum of 14 matches per year.

Reichart says that a league playing just 14 matches means every match will count.

New European Super League announced by A22

11:09 , Mike Jones

The new European Super League proposal has 64 teams spread over three tiers labelled: Star, Gold and Blue. This is apparantly been brought in to acknowledge that participation is based on sporting merit with no permanent members.

Annual promotion and relegation will happen between leagues with promotion into 3rd tier Blue League being based upon domestic league performances.

New European Super League announced by A22

11:03 , Mike Jones

Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, is currently on a live stream and is preparing to explain the changes made to the European Super League and how he plans to introduce the new competition.

Updates to follow...

Watch European Court of Justice ruling over Super League

10:58 , Mike Jones

Here’s the ruling from the judges which states that Uefa blocking the creation of the ESL went against EU law:

Barcelona release statement backing new European Super League

10:54 , Mike Jones

A driving force behind the creation of a new European competition, Barcelona have released this statement confirming their position as one of the biggest clubs in favour of the ESL. It reads:

“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.”

DCMS confirms plans for independent regulator

10:51 , Mike Jones

It’s been a busy day so far and more announcements are set to come. The UK government department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has released plans to bring forward legislation for an independent regulator in English football.

Their statement says: “We note the decision by the European Court of Justice’s judgement in 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 an independent regulator in English football.

“We will shortly be bringing forward legislation which makes this a reality, and will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.”

Uefa issues statement on European Court of Justice ruling

10:49 , Mike Jones

In response to the European Court of Justice’s ruling this morning, Uefa has issued a statement which reads:

"UEFA takes note of the judgment delivered today by the ECJ in the European Super League case.

"This ruling does not signify an endorsement or validation of the so-called ‘super league’; it rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA's pre-authorisation framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022. UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules, and specifically that they comply with all relevant European laws and regulations.

"UEFA remains resolute in its commitment to uphold the European football pyramid, ensuring that it continues to serve the broader interests of society. We will continue to shape the European sports model collectively with national associations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments and partners alike.

"We trust that the solidarity-based European football pyramid that the fans and all stakeholders have declared as their irreplaceable model will be safeguarded against the threat of breakaways by European and national laws."

The governing body of European football will also be hosting a press conference at 1pm where they will probably go into detail about how they plan to bring their rules in line with EU law and what concerns they have over the revamped European Super League.

European Super League relaunch: What we know so far

10:45 , Mike Jones

Back in February news broke of the European Super League being relaunched into a more palatable version to appease the supporters and fans who saw the original version as a greedy cash grab.

Up to 80 teams, multiple divisions and a guarantee of 14 matches per season were touted by Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22 who are in charge of promoting the ESL.

He detailed the framework of the new league to German newspaper Die Welt. Today there will be more announcements in a livestream at 11am, but will it happen this time?

Here’s what we know so far about the revived European Super League:

European Super League relaunch: What we know so far

What are the ‘10 principles’ of the new European Super League?

10:39 , Mike Jones

There remains a lack of specific detail available over the Super League’s newly scrubbed reform plan, but they have released a list of 10 principles to govern their approach. They say they have been formed after “consistent feedback” with clubs, though they opted against saying which ones.

The 10 guiding principles are listed as:

• Meritocratic competitions, with multi-divisional format and no permanent members

• Clubs remain committed to domestic tournaments

• Improve competitiveness with stable, sustainable resources

• Player health at the centre of the game

• Well-enforced and transparent financial sustainability rules

• Create “the world’s best football competition”

• Improved fan experience

• Develop and finance women’s football by putting it “centre stage” side-by-side with men’s game

• Significant increase in solidarity

• Respect for EU laws and values

What about the Premier League?

10:34 , Mike Jones

While Barcelona and Real Madrid seemingly remain committed to the breakaway, there is less known about whether the six Premier League clubs originally involved in the European Super League launch would still consider supporting it.

Additionally, the Premier League has just announced a new domestic television rights deal worth £6.7bn – and there would likely have been strict rules within that agreement that would forbid English clubs from signing up for competitions that are now approved by Uefa or Fifa.

The English game’s new independent regulator has also set out rules forbidding clubs from joining unlicensed competitions, while the Premier League’s Owners’ Charter, agreed in 2022, also states clubs must not “engage in the creation of new competition formats outside of the Premier League’s rules”.

Why is it back now?

10:28 , Mike Jones

After its defeat in 2021, the European Super League returned with a new format, crucially removing the “closed shop” format that would have seen its founding members be immune from relegation.

The latest proposal has been tweaked and could contain up to 80 teams in a multi-divisional format. The Super League would also be based on sporting performance only with no permanent members.

A22 have consulted with nearly 50 European clubs since October last year and developed 10 principles based on that consultation which underpin its plans for a new-look league. The people involved with the European Super League believe football across the continent is in danger and they are the self-appointed guardians to save it.

A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said the new-look Super League would be an open competition, with qualification achieved via performance at national level and with all its teams competing in their domestic leagues. Those national leagues would remain “the foundation” of the game, Reichart said, and argued that the new Super League would generate new revenues to support the entire pyramid. There is a guarantee of a minimum of 14 matches that would provide “stability and predictability” of revenue.

What happened to the European Super League in 2021?

10:22 , Mike Jones

It was a rare triumph of fan power when the European Super League first tried to launch back in April 2021 as immediate, sustained protests from across the football community caused the clubs involved to scuttle away with their tail between their legs.

The competition was initially launched with 12 founding members – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid – who would permanently take part in the competition.

The plan quickly collapsed after the six Premier League clubs pulled out within 24 hours in the face of fierce criticism from supporters, pundits, clubs and the media, but Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid remained committed to the concept.

Super League celebrates ruling: ‘The Uefa monopoly is over. Football is free’

10:15 , Mike Jones

The backers of the proposed European Super League have declared that “football is free” after winning a legal challenge against Uefa and Fifa.

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice found that the two governing bodies had acted against European Union law in blocking the controversial proposals for a breakaway league formed of Europe’s top clubs.

The landmark judgement found that Uefa and Fifa were “abusing a dominant position”, though stressed that the ruling does not mean the Super League proposal must be approved.

Super League celebrates ruling: ‘The Uefa monopoly is over. Football is free’

Latest edition of European Super League set to be announced at 11am

10:10 , Mike Jones

A22, the company backing the European Super League, is planning to announce its latest proposal for the European Super League which would be a midweek competition for men’s and women’s football.

The announcement is planned for 11am GMT and will explain the new proposal.

Participation is expected to be based on sporting merit with promotion and relegation. In a change to the previous edition of the ESL there will be no permanent members.

Fans will be able to view live matches for free on a new state-of-the-art digital streaming platform.

What does this mean?

10:05 , Mike Jones

It is unclear what the ruling will mean in practice, although Uefa have been undermined and those in favour of the Super League emboldened.

But as of yet there is no clear path for a resurgence of the breakaway.

The ECJ judgement added: “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 judgment.”

What has been decided today?

09:56 , Mike Jones

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice ruled that Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021 and sanctioning the clubs involved.

In its ruling, the ECJ stated: “The Fifa and Uefa rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the Super League, are contrary to EU law.

“They are contrary to competition law and the freedom to provide services.

“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.”

A22, the company backing the European Super League, said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We have won the right to compete. The Uefa-monopoly is over. Football is free.

“Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures.”

The decision by the ECJ is binding and not subject to appeal.

Court ruling not all bad for Uefa and Fifa

09:48 , Mike Jones

Although the headlines of today’s court ruling seem to be, on the surface at least, a slap on the wrists for the two governing bodies Uefa and Fifa looking into the detail of the case some things have already changed.

The court has only decided its verdict based on facts as at the time of the European Super League’s announcement and new rules are now already in place.

Uefa can still organise its own competitions and there is no requirement to break up.

The Super League will still be subject to authorisation rules and procedures.

LaLiga call the Super League a ‘selfish and elitist model'

09:40 , Luke Baker

In light of the ruling, LaLiga put out a statement condemning the European Super League as a “selfish and elitist model”.

They wrote: “Today, more than ever, we reiterate that the “Super League” is a selfish and elitist model. Anything that is not fully open, with direct access only through the domestic leagues, season by season, is a closed format. European football has spoken. Listen. #EarnItOnThePitch”

09:29 , Luke Baker

A22, the company backing the European Super League, have spoken out about the judgement, saying that the Uefa monopoly is over and football is free.

On Twitter/X, they posted: “We have won the #RightToCompete. The UEFA-monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction AND free to determine their own futures”, our CEO Bernd Reichart comments the CJEU decision.”

Super League given fresh hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked controversial project

09:25 , Luke Baker

The controversial European Super League was given fresh hope of revival after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling.

The Grand Chamber of the ECJ had been debating whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the European Super League in 2021 and sanctioning clubs involved, but has ruled that the regulations at the time concerning the breakaway were inadequate and that the governing bodies acted “illegally” in blocking the rebel tournament.

In its ruling, the ECJ stated: “The Fifa and Uefa rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the Super League, are contrary to EU law.

“They are contrary to competition law and the freedom to provide services.

Read our full report on the monumental verdict:

Super League given hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked project

Uefa and Fifa ‘abusing dominant position’ but Super League may still not be approved

09:15 , Luke Baker

As with all court rulings, this is fairly nuanced and doesn’t necessarily mean a European Super League has to be approved, just that Uefa and Fifa forbidding the clubs outright from forming a league was contrary to EU law.

The ECJ ruled that the governing bodies were “abusing their dominant position” but added that “this does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved”.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict - full judgement

09:06 , Luke Baker

Here’s the pertinent part of the ruling handed down by the ECJ, determining that Uefa and Fifa are in breach of competition law and the freedom to provide services by requiring prior approval of a European Super League.

“The FIFA and UEFA rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the Super League, are contrary to EU law. They are contrary to competition law and the freedom to provide services

“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.”

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

09:01 , Luke Baker

Here’s some more information on the judgement - essentially the European Super League (under EU law at least) could be back on.

The prospects of a future European Super League have been boosted after judges said Uefa rules blocking the formation of such a competition were contrary to EU law.

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice had been asked to decide whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021 and then seeking to sanction the clubs involved.

The court has ruled that Uefa and Fifa rules granting prior approval for new competitions are contrary to EU law.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

08:56 , Luke Baker

Ok, we now have the verdict in the European Super League vs Uefa case and it’s A WIN for the European Super League.

The ECJ have deemed that Fifa and Uefa rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions are contrary to EU law. That really is one in the eye for football’s governing bodies

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

08:52 , Luke Baker

We mentioned that the ECJ were also announcing the verdict in a case brought by the International Skating Union (ISU) today and that has just been handed down.

The ISU has lost its bid to overturn an EU antitrust order that it must stop penalising speed skaters for taking part in new money-spinning events, as Europe’s highest court backed earlier orders.

The European Commission in its 2017 ruling said the sport’s governing body had imposed “disproportionately punitive” sanctions on skaters, preventing the emergence of rival events in violation of EU antitrust rules.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

08:37 , Luke Baker

The verdict should be delivered shortly by the ECJ. In the meantime, allow Miguel Delaney to explain why it could be a bigger decision than Bosman and change the future of football.

‘Bigger than Bosman’: Why European Court ruling could change the face of football

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

08:23 , Luke Baker

Then-prime minister Boris Johnson called the European Super League ‘a cartel’ when it was first proposed by the clubs in April 2021.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

08:11 , Luke Baker

The thinking behind the new-look European Super League proposal was explained when it was launched

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

08:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Why is the Super League back now?

After its defeat in 2021, the European Super League returned with a new format, crucially removing the “closed shop” format that would have seen its founding members be immune from relegation.

The latest proposal has been tweaked and could contain up to 80 teams in a multi-divisional format. The Super League would also be based on sporting performance only with no permanent members.

A22 have consulted with nearly 50 European clubs since October last year and developed 10 principles based on that consultation which underpin its plans for a new-look league. The people involved with the European Super League believe football across the continent is in danger and they are the self-appointed guardians to save it.

A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said the new-look Super League would be an open competition, with qualification achieved via performance at national level and with all its teams competing in their domestic leagues. Those national leagues would remain “the foundation” of the game, Reichart said, and argued that the new Super League would generate new revenues to support the entire pyramid. There is a guarantee of a minimum of 14 matches that would provide “stability and predictability” of revenue.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

07:51 , Jamie Braidwood

What happened to the European Super League in 2021?

It was a rare triumph of fan power when the European Super League first tried to launch back in April 2021 as immediate, sustained protests from across the football community caused the clubs involved to scuttle away with their tail between their legs.

The competition was initially launched with 12 founding members – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid – who would permanently take part in the competition.

The plan quickly collapsed after the six Premier League clubs pulled out within 24 hours in the face of fierce criticism from supporters, pundits, clubs and the media, but Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid remained committed to the concept.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

07:40 , Jamie Braidwood

What is being decided today?

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice will decide whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021 and sanctioning the clubs involved.

A22, the company backing the European Super League, believe Uefa and Fifa are abusing a dominant position by acting as governing body, regulator, commercial operator and gatekeeper, while also having significant sanctioning powers.

They argue Uefa and Fifa should not be able to run a “monopoly” over football and want to have the right to launch new competitions without facing punishment under a free market.

A non-binding decision delivered by the Advocate General in the case last December found rules allowing Uefa to have prior approval of new competitions were compatible with EU law - now the European Court of Justice will now consider its own interpretation of the EU’s competition law and will deliver its verdict on whether Uefa acted lawfully.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

07:34 , Luke Baker

It’s “judgement day” in the European Super League case, as a decision that could shape the future of football is set to be delivered on Thursday.

First launched in 2021, the European Super League proposed a breakaway competition involving some of Europe’s biggest teams in a “closed shop” format.

But the controversial plans were met with fierce opposition from fans and the football’s governing bodies, leading to its stunning collapse within days of being launched.

But like a monster from a horror movie, the European Super League wasn’t actually killed off, and now those backing the competition have taken Uefa and Fifa to court as they seek to relaunch their competition.

Now, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice is set to deliver a verdict on the case, in what is a huge moment for the sport. Here’s everything you need to know.

European Super League verdict: Everything you need to know about ‘judgement day’

European Court of Justice decision ‘bigger than Bosman’ and could change the face of football

07:26 , Luke Baker

“If it seems strange that there is still so much talk of the European Super League given what happened in April 2021, there are many involved in the case now that are making even grander statements about it all.

“They believe that Thursday is “bigger than Bosman”. That will be the day the entire episode either comes to a conclusion or a new start. The European Court of Justice [ECJ] will rule on whether bodies like Uefa and Fifa represent monopolies that must be broken up, or if that structure is necessary for the running of football. It all stems from the case the Super League planners took around the time of its launch.

“Put in simple terms, this will decide whether they can get the project properly going again, and change the face of European football.

“Thursday will also see two connected cases decided, making it a potentially landmark day in sport legislation. Those very words might sound dismally dry but the outcome will determine what the football we watch will actually look like. We will know whether the Champions League can be the same; whether the sport as a whole will stay a unified pyramid or potentially disperse into the same sort of chaos as boxing.”

Preview by Miguel Delaney

‘Bigger than Bosman’: Why European Court ruling could change the face of football

ECJ set to deliver verdict in European Super League case

Wednesday 20 December 2023 21:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

The Grand Chamber judgement’s interpretation of EU law will be passed back to a Madrid commercial court to make a decision, after the Spanish jurisdiction made the referral in 2021.

That court also placed an injunction on sanctions UEFA imposed on the nine clubs who joined Super League but who later withdrew. It remains to be seen whether UEFA will press on with those sanctions, and potentially investigate more serious charges against Real and Barcelona.

ECJ set to deliver verdict in European Super League case

Wednesday 20 December 2023 21:16 , Lawrence Ostlere

That is all before considering another crucial element - the fans.

Supporters in England took to the streets despite coronavirus restrictions when the initial Super League plans became known, and played a key part in its collapse.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund fans have also expressed strong opposition in the past.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a member of Bayern’s supervisory board and a former ECA chairman, issued some scathing comments about Super League in an interview with Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday.

Asked what would happen if the ECJ authorised the Super League in its entirety, Rummenigge said: “It wouldn’t go far. Thirty years ago the system would have embraced novelty, now it is different.

“The English, Germans and French would never participate. I also believe the Italians and the Spanish (would not), unless there is some president who thinks of going to bed and waking up the next day covered by gold.”

ECJ set to deliver verdict in European Super League case

Wednesday 20 December 2023 20:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

In England, the Premier League has just announced a new domestic television rights deal worth £6.7billion. If there is any risk that the competition A22 proposes that could kill or even harm that golden goose, it is difficult to picture any English club supporting it.

Clubs are also set to be forbidden from joining unapproved competitions as a licensing condition to be set by the English game’s new independent regulator, while the Premier League’s Owners’ Charter agreed in 2022 also contains undertakings not to “engage in the creation of new competition formats outside of the Premier League’s rules”.

In France, it has been reported that an investment into the domestic game from CVC contains a compensation clause should a French club participate in any Super League, while German club ownership structures provide a major obstacle.

ECJ set to deliver verdict in European Super League case

Wednesday 20 December 2023 20:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

There are many obstacles in A22’s path even if the judgement suggests it does have the right to pitch a new competition to Uefa that can operate under Uefa’s auspices, and for Uefa to give that competition full and fair consideration.

Crucially, is there a will from any club outside of original architects Real Madrid and Barcelona to be involved?

In September, the European Club Association, which features 500 clubs either as members or within its network, signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding with Uefa which runs until July 2030.

Within the MoU is an undertaking that the ECA “ensure that none of its member clubs participate in any competition that is not organised or recognised by Uefa or Fifa”.

A22’s claim that Uefa is the dominant commercial operator is at least challenged by the existence of the Joint Venture between Uefa and ECA which oversees all marketing and commercial matters related to the Champions League and Uefa’s other club competitions. Each organisation has seven members on the JV’s board.

ECJ set to deliver verdict in European Super League case

Wednesday 20 December 2023 20:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice must decide whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021 and then seeking to sanction the clubs involved.

A non-binding decision delivered by the Advocate General in the case last December found rules allowing Uefa to have prior approval of new competitions were compatible with EU law.

The original 2021 Super League proposal was criticised for its ‘closed’ format, with 15 founder clubs set to have been immune from relegation.

A22, a company formed to assist in the creation of that competition, has now drafted revised plans for a multi-division event featuring 60 to 80 teams, which it insists, crucially, will be open to all.

The company will hope that the judgement forces sports federations like Uefa to use non-discriminatory criteria when assessing new entrants to the market, which would open the door for A22 to try again.

“Tomorrow is UEFA Judgment Day,” an A22 post published on X on Wednesday read.

“After almost 70 years as the sole regulator, gatekeeper and dominant commercial operator of the European football market, Uefa’s monopoly may finally end! We are on the threshold of a new, better era for £EuropeanClubFootball.”

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

Wednesday 20 December 2023 19:16 , Jamie Braidwood

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

Wednesday 20 December 2023 18:20 , Jamie Braidwood

Why is the Super League back now?

After its defeat in 2021, the European Super League returned with a new format, crucially removing the “closed shop” format that would have seen its founding members be immune from relegation.

The latest proposal has been tweaked and could contain up to 80 teams in a multi-divisional format. The Super League would also be based on sporting performance only with no permanent members.

A22 have consulted with nearly 50 European clubs since October last year and developed 10 principles based on that consultation which underpin its plans for a new-look league. The people involved with the European Super League believe football across the continent is in danger and they are the self-appointed guardians to save it.

A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said the new-look Super League would be an open competition, with qualification achieved via performance at national level and with all its teams competing in their domestic leagues. Those national leagues would remain “the foundation” of the game, Reichart said, and argued that the new Super League would generate new revenues to support the entire pyramid. There is a guarantee of a minimum of 14 matches that would provide “stability and predictability” of revenue.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

Wednesday 20 December 2023 17:40 , Jamie Braidwood

What happened to the European Super League in 2021?

It was a rare triumph of fan power when the European Super League first tried to launch back in April 2021 as immediate, sustained protests from across the football community caused the clubs involved to scuttle away with their tail between their legs.

The competition was initially launched with 12 founding members – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid – who would permanently take part in the competition.

The plan quickly collapsed after the six Premier League clubs pulled out within 24 hours in the face of fierce criticism from supporters, pundits, clubs and the media, but Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid remained committed to the concept.

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

Wednesday 20 December 2023 17:20 , Jamie Braidwood

What is being decided?

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice will decide whether Uefa and Fifa acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021 and sanctioning the clubs involved.

A22, the company backing the European Super League, believe Uefa and Fifa are abusing a dominant position by acting as governing body, regulator, commercial operator and gatekeeper, while also having significant sanctioning powers.

They argue Uefa and Fifa should not be able to run a “monopoly” over football and want to have the right to launch new competitions without facing punishment under a free market.

A non-binding decision delivered by the Advocate General in the case last December found rules allowing Uefa to have prior approval of new competitions were compatible with EU law - now the European Court of Justice will now consider its own interpretation of the EU’s competition law and will deliver its verdict on whether Uefa acted lawfully.

European Court of Justice decision ‘bigger than Bosman’ and could change the face of football

Wednesday 20 December 2023 17:10 , Jamie Braidwood

“If it seems strange that there is still so much talk of the European Super League given what happened in April 2021, there are many involved in the case now that are making even grander statements about it all.

“They believe that Thursday is “bigger than Bosman”. That will be the day the entire episode either comes to a conclusion or a new start. The European Court of Justice [ECJ] will rule on whether bodies like Uefa and Fifa represent monopolies that must be broken up, or if that structure is necessary for the running of football. It all stems from the case the Super League planners took around the time of its launch.

“Put in simple terms, this will decide whether they can get the project properly going again, and change the face of European football.

“Thursday will also see two connected cases decided, making it a potentially landmark day in sport legislation. Those very words might sound dismally dry but the outcome will determine what the football we watch will actually look like. We will know whether the Champions League can be the same; whether the sport as a whole will stay a unified pyramid or potentially disperse into the same sort of chaos as boxing.”

Preview by Miguel Delaney

‘Bigger than Bosman’: Why European Court ruling could change the face of football

European Super League verdict: Everything you need to know about ‘judgement day’

Wednesday 20 December 2023 16:57 , Jack Rathborn

It’s “judgement day” in the European Super League case, as a decision that could shape the future of football is set to be delivered on Thursday.

First launched in 2021, the European Super League proposed a breakaway competition involving some of Europe’s biggest teams in a “closed shop” format.

But the controversial plans were met with fierce opposition from fans and the football’s governing bodies, leading to its stunning collapse within days of being launched.

But like a monster from a horror movie, the European Super League wasn’t actually killed off, and now those backing the competition have taken Uefa and Fifa to court as they seek to relaunch their competition.

Now, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice is set to deliver a verdict on the case, in what is a huge moment for the sport. Here’s everything you need to know.

European Super League verdict: Everything you need to know about ‘judgement day’

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

Wednesday 20 December 2023 16:57 , Jack Rathborn

Welcome to the Independent Sport’s coverage of the European Super League’s case against Uefa at the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Real Madrid and Barcelona remain steadfast in their belief that Uefa has a monopoly over European competitions and that it is against EU law.

The initial plans of the ESL arrived back in April 2021 and after almost 1,000 days, this landmark case, which is due to shape the future of the beautiful game, is nearing its conclusion.

Follow for all the latest news and updates out of Luxembourg, plus reaction from around the football world following the verdict.