The chief executive of the European Super League has confirmed plans to relaunch and create a breakaway competition to rival the Champions League.
Initial plans for a European Super League from 2021 have been met with widespread criticism across Europe and a major backlash from supporters led to English sides Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United withdrawing their support.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have struggled to stick to plans and face threats from UEFA and FIFA to punish clubs that try to deviate from the current structure.
Two years after the initial announcement, the European Super League has confirmed new plans to create a competitive competition that could include at least 80 teams.
“The foundations of European football are in danger of collapsing”. CEO Bernd Reichart outlined ten principles for the league division in a press release.
“It’s time for a change. Clubs take business risks in football. But when important decisions are at stake, they are often forced to sit on the sidelines as sports and financial foundations collapse.
“Our discussions have made it clear that it is impossible to speak out against a system where clubs often use the threat of sanctions to prevent opposition.
“Our conversations were open, honest, constructive and led to clear ideas about what changes are needed and how they can be implemented. There is much more to be done and we will continue our dialogue.”
Reichart said the new competition, which will be decided based on domestic division performance and will be modeled after the current Champions League format, will not have permanent members.
The team behind the European Super League is said to have spoken to more than 50 clubs to find support and talks with the project, with the aim of creating a competition that will be played between 80 teams every season.
Reichart hopes the UEFA Super League will run in the 2024/25 season and is now awaiting a decision by the European Court of Justice on whether FIFA and UEFA have the power to ban clubs from competing.
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