A new European Super League (ESL) format has been revealed after the European Court of Justice ruled that FIFA and UEFA acted unlawfully by blocking the formation of the controversial competition. A 64-team tournament split into three divisions has now been proposed by the creators of the ESL.
There was widespread condemnation of the initial plans to create an ESL, which included an exclusive division of 12 of Europe’s biggest teams. Those plans were ruined when six English teams broke rank following strong criticism.
However, A22 Sports Management have been charged with putting together new plans. And after the European Union’s supreme court surprisingly ruled in favour of the company on Thursday, they have released fresh plans for a new tournament that could replace UEFA’s Champions League.
An advert published after the European Court of Justice’s verdict promises that the new competition will involve a system whereby “participation would be based on sporting merit with no permanent members”.
A group of 64 teams who qualify based on their performance in their respective domestic leagues will be split into four tiers – dubbed Star, Gold and Blue. Star and Gold will have 16 teams who are split into two groups of eight, with teams playing each other home away across 14 matches.
The Blue league will consist of 32 teams, split into four groups of eight. Clubs who are successful in their groups will proceed to a knockout round where the winners of each division will be crowned.
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are both delighted over the European Court of Justice’s decision. Barca expressed their satisfaction while Real president Florentino Perez said the ruling marked “a great day for the history of football and the history of sport”.
A22 Management said after the verdict: “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. For fans: We propose free viewing of all Super League matches. For clubs: Revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
However, the new plans have already taken a hit after Premier League side Manchester United ruled themselves out. The Red Devils say they are committed to competing in UEFA’s competitions.
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