Tuesday, December 17, 2024
The European Super League, which aims to be a reality in the 2026-2027 season, has decided to take another step, in this case revolutionary, for its official recognition. The promotion company A22 Sports Management announced this Tuesday that it has sent a proposal to UEFA and FIFA, with a new competition format, which would no longer be closed, and free matches for all fans.
By virtue of the favorable ruling issued in December 2023 by the Court of Justice of the European Union, according to which “any competition whose classification is carried out in an inclusive, meritocratic manner and that respects the global calendar, can officially see the light”, The Super League has taken another turn with respect to its initial format two years ago, to convince all the clubs, that they would have greater income, and be accepted internationally.
Florentino Pérez’s long-awaited project has revised its classification system for European competitions, in which participation will depend on the performance of the clubs in their respective national leagues each season. It also changes its name, to call the continental tournaments together as the Unify League. the streaming platform that would broadcast all the matches live and for free, with advertising, but also with premium packages “at affordable prices.”
“Our proposal aims to provide solutions,” proclaims A22 CEO Bernd Reichart, who regrets “increasing subscription costs for fans, an unsustainable match calendar, inadequate investment in women’s football and discontent with the current pan-European competitions from the point of view of format and governance. “Now is the time for everyone in the football world, including UEFA and FIFA, to bring true innovation that puts the fan experience, player well-being and match competitiveness first,” adds the A22 CEO.
Four divisions
Under its revised system, European tournaments, with 96 participating clubs from 55 countries, would increase from three to four divisions. The main continental competition, called Star League, would be played by the 16 best teams from each national league, divided into two groups of eight, and with a final phase, final four type, in the same country. 14 matches would be played, back and forth, and the first four in each group would qualify for the quarterfinals. In the second European competition, the Gold League, the teams would also be divided into two groups, and with the same model to decide the title, with semifinals and final in a single venue.
The A22 company, which assures that it wants a rapprochement with UEFA, insists that now the great European competition will be an “open competition”, when its original idea was a guaranteed participation for the continent’s giants. While waiting for an understanding with the highest European body chaired by Aleksander Ceferin, when the Champions League has been reformed for this season, it is not seen that it can be inaugurated in the short term. “Next season would be too soon,” Reichart acknowledged.