The dreaded European Super League may well be on the verge of a re-emergence after the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted against competition law.
The Glazers and former CEO Ed Woodward were one of the big players behind the scenes who were involved in the forming of the European Super League.
Manchester United, alongside the Premier League’s big five, handed in their letter of resignation from the top flight and the Champions League to form the breakaway competition.
Alongside England’s elite, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and a few others of the European elite decided that the time was right to form their own league.
This, however, came crashing back down to earth when it emerged that certain clubs felt pushed into a decision, according to The Athletic.
Super League re-emergence
A22, a company that helped create the competition, has now made new plans for a competition with multiple divisions and between 60 to 80 teams. Importantly, this competition would be open to all teams.
The original proposal was 15 ‘founder clubs’ that faced no risk of relegation but this new format is seen as a way for sporting merit to be key with anyone able to enter the competition.
This ruling by the European Court of Justice is a big step for the formation of the competition as, essentially, UEFA and FIFA cannot block teams from joining the new division.
However, according to The Telegraph, a government ruling will prevent licensed clubs from joining breakaway competitions.
“There’s no chance of Premier League teams joining unless they want to be thrown out of English football,” one figure reportedly told the Telegraph.
Manchester United issue club statement
Despite the previous attempts from the the Glazer family to join the Super League, Manchester United do not intend to rock the boat.
The club have released a statement: “Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”
Despite the American family being keen on the prospect of a breakaway league, in September, the European Club Association (ECA), which includes 500 clubs, signed an agreement with UEFA that lasts until July 2030.
This agreement states that ECA members will not take part in any competition not organised or recognised by UEFA or FIFA.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are set to purchase 25 per cent of United. They may at some point be asked for their view on the matter, once their investment is complete.
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