European Leagues Claims Exclusion From Super League Relaunch Talks

The European Leagues said on Thursday they were not consulted by the promoters of the proposed European Super League regarding the relaunch of the breakaway concept as the Unify League.

The original European Super League (ESL), which was controversially founded in 2021 with the support of 12 of Europe’s largest clubs, quickly saw its backing crumble due to a strong backlash from fans.

Unlike the original plans which guaranteed the 12 clubs a place in the ESL, Sports development company A22 said the new 96-club format across four leagues would be merit-based and more competitive than UEFA’s current club competitions.

It also pledged free streaming for fans via its advertising-supported platform and a return to the home-and-away format that was abandoned in the restructured Champions League group stage.

“The European Leagues notes this week’s announcement from A22 and rejects any suggestion that a consultation took place with our organization,” it said in a statement.

The European Leagues consists of 39 professional leagues and associations from 33 countries covering more than 1,130 clubs.

The organization said that it remains dedicated to the existing structure, where clubs qualify for UEFA club competitions based on their annual performances in domestic leagues.

“The A22’s competition model, which is not requested and unsubstantiated, would increase the number of international matches in an already congested calendar,” the European Leagues added.

“Supporters and stakeholders across the game have consistently made it clear that any attempt from existing or new international club competitions to expand their calendars at the expense of domestic competitions will be rejected.

“European Leagues and FIFPro Europe have asked the European Commission to ensure that no decision can be made about the International Match Calendar without the formal agreement of domestic leagues and player unions.”

It added that they will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to “maintain a complementary and sustainable balance between domestic and international football.”