Table of Contents
Origin of the European Super League
The European Super League (ESL) emerged in 2021 as one of the most controversial projects in football history. Backed by JP Morgan, twelve founding clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, AC Milan, Inter, Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur announced the creation of a new midweek competition aimed at securing stable revenue streams and high-quality matches.
The ESL's key feature was its closed-league format, with 15 permanent members and five annual qualifiers based on domestic league results. This system eliminated promotion and relegation, guaranteeing financial stability for founding clubs. Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, emphasized that the pandemic revealed the fragility of the European football economy and necessitated new, reliable revenue sources.
Backlash and English Clubs Withdrawal
Almost immediately after the announcement, the ESL faced intense criticism from UEFA, FIFA, domestic leagues, and supporters. The most notable backlash came from English clubs, six of which withdrew just three days after the initial declaration. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Chelsea cited pressure from stakeholders and fan backlash as reasons for their withdrawal.
The English clubs' withdrawal was largely influenced by the financial strength of the Premier League, which already provides significant revenue through broadcasting rights. For these clubs, a new closed league was unnecessary, and maintaining stability within existing competitions was prioritized over joining the ESL.
Key Supporters and Their
Strategies
Despite setbacks, the "Big Three" ESL supporters—Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus—continued pushing the project. Barcelona, facing financial difficulties, saw the ESL as a crucial source of revenue, while Juventus initially supported the league until Andrea Agnelli's resignation and internal financial investigations forced the club to withdraw in 2024.
Perez stated, "We will continue fighting for the future of football." The ESL's supporters collaborated with A22 Sports Management to develop the "Unify League," a new proposal featuring 96 teams in a four-tier format, intended to incorporate feedback from clubs, leagues, and fans. The plan also includes a global streaming platform allowing free ad-supported viewing or low-cost ad-free subscriptions, expanding revenue sources while enhancing fan engagement.
Champions League Reform Involvement
Even after the collapse of the ESL, Real Madrid and Barcelona remain deeply involved in Champions League reforms. From 2027, they are pushing for a format change: 36 teams divided into two leagues of 18, rather than the current single league phase. This structure would ensure that top-ranked UEFA clubs face each other more often, increasing revenue opportunities and match appeal.
Additionally, A22 is advocating for a global distribution platform, with regional advertising and optional subscription models. These reforms echo the original ESL objectives, providing Big Clubs with competitive and financial advantages while modernizing European football's digital presence.
Is the European Super League Really Dead
Technically, the original closed-league ESL has failed, but its goals remain alive through Champions League reform. The planned changes reflect ESL’s vision: top clubs gain more exposure, more high-profile matches are guaranteed, and financial opportunities expand. In essence, the European Super League's objectives are being realized under the Champions League brand.
Historically, elite European clubs have consistently sought a larger share of revenue. With the upcoming reforms, the top clubs will enjoy increased matches against each other and higher revenue distribution, effectively achieving the ESL’s initial ambitions without creating a fully separate league.
Summary and Outlook
The European Super League, in its original form, may be considered "dead," yet its influence continues to shape European football. Real Madrid and Barcelona’s active role in Champions League reforms demonstrates that the vision of a Big Club-centric competition persists. The forthcoming changes, including a two-league format and global streaming platforms, are expected to redefine revenue distribution and match appeal for years to come.
Ultimately, the European Super League's legacy is not measured by its initial failure but by the transformation it has inspired. The Champions League is evolving into a competition that resembles the ESL's ambitions, signaling a significant shift in the structure and economics of European football. The game as we know it is entering a new era, one where Big Clubs increasingly determine its future.
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