Following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, there's a renewed interest in the ESL, with some significant changes proposed to its structure and functioning.
The resurgence of the European Super League (ESL) proposal has reignited discussions and controversies within the football community.
Following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, there's a renewed interest in the ESL, with some significant changes proposed to its structure and functioning.
12:19 - 23.12.2023
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19:00 - 22.12.2023
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Background and Recent Developments
In 2021, a group of 12 major European clubs announced their intention to form a breakaway league, the ESL. This announcement was met with widespread criticism from fans, UEFA, FIFA, and domestic leagues, leading to the project's initial abandonment.
However, the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice has criticized FIFA and UEFA for their handling of the initial ESL proposal, finding their actions in breach of European competition law and stating that they had abused their dominant position in football, as per Sky News.
Proposed New Structure of the ESL
Under the new proposal, the ESL would feature a men's and a women's competition, each with a different structure:
Men's Competition: This would consist of three leagues (Blue, Gold, and Star) with a total of 64 clubs. The Blue League would have 32 teams, and the Gold and Star leagues would have 16 each. The competition would include both league and knockout stages, with promotions and relegations to maintain competitiveness.
Women's Competition: Similar to the men's, but with two leagues (Star and Gold) comprising 32 clubs in total. This format is tailored to the current state of women's football and aims to showcase more European women's clubs.
20:32 - 23.12.2023
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Premier League and Other Clubs' Stance
Despite the renewed push for the ESL, many clubs, including those in the Premier League, have expressed their continued opposition.
The Premier League has reiterated its commitment to open competition and highlighted the importance of fans, who have historically been against the concept of a breakaway league. Furthermore, clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich have reaffirmed their commitment to UEFA competitions and emphasized the importance of national leagues in the structure of European football.
Implications and Future Prospects
While the ESL proposal has been revamped, it remains controversial. The structure of European football, as governed by UEFA, enjoys broad support from fans and many clubs.
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Moreover, the regulatory and legal landscape, especially in the UK, could pose significant hurdles to the implementation of ESLs. The UK government has taken steps to prevent clubs from joining breakaway leagues, which means that even if the ESL is established, British clubs might be prevented from participating.
According to World Soccer Talk, the future of the ESL and its potential impact on European football remains uncertain. Whether it can gain enough support from clubs and overcome legal and regulatory challenges is yet to be seen. The situation is dynamic, and further developments are likely in the coming months.