Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), New plans have been tabled for a football “super league.” It follows a landmark court ruling which has plunged the sport into fresh turmoil.
On Thursday, the European Court of Justice said that banning clubs from joining a European Super League was unlawful and that Uefa and Fifa are “abusing a dominant position”.
The ruling comes after a case was brought by the ESL and its backers claiming Uefa and Fifa were breaking competition law by threatening to sanction those who joined the breakaway league.
The European Union’s highest court found against the governing bodies.
It added that did not mean a breakaway league would “necessarily be approved”.
It represents a hugely significant day for European football.
Following this morning’s CJEU ruling “ending UEFA’s monopoly” A22 says it will propose a new competition format including a free viewing of live matches.
A22 is a European sports development company that is actively working with several leading football clubs.
Later on Thursday, ESL backers A22 released revamped proposals, which this time include a women’s European tournament.
he plan would feature a league system with 64 clubs across three leagues in the men’s competition and 32 clubs across two leagues in the women’s competition. Both would involve promotion and relegation.
It issued a statement which reads: “Today’s ruling of the European Court of Justice is a landmark in football history.
“As the CJEU states: “The FIFA and UEFA rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the Super League, are contrary to the EU law.”
In a first reaction, A22 CEO Bernd Reichart says: “We have won the Right to Compete.
The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanctions AND free to determine their futures. For fans: We propose free viewing of all Super League matches. For clubs: Revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
A spokesman said it would announce what it calls “significant” announcements on the company’s plans and proposals for the future of European club football.
The plans for a super league were first mooted in 2021 when news broke that 12 teams – including English teams Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – had signed up to the breakaway competition.
There was widespread fury and condemnation from fans, other European leagues, and even the government, leading to the collapse of the plans within 72 hours.
