Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 17 Dec 2024 12:56 GMT
3 min read
European Super League, ESL
© IMAGO
The European Super League is back and aiming to begin play in September 2026, according to a report.
Back in 2021, the original ESL was launched and collapsed after just two days. Widespread, almost unprecedented outrage ensued following the announcement of a rival competition to UEFA's Champions League, prompting the promoters to back down almost immediately.
The Super League was viewed as nothing more than a brazen cash grab to boost the revenues of Europe's biggest clubs, who were to be given automatic entry into the competition.
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The idea of this project, driven primarily by Barcelona and Real Madrid bosses Joan Laporta and Florentino Perez, was never laid to rest and returned to the fore with a bang in December 2023.
A year ago, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA couldn't legally stop the formation of a European Super League, paving the way for the latter's belated creation.
Florentino Perez is spearheading the new ESL
© IMAGO - Florentino Perez is spearheading the new ESL
A22 launch 'The Unify League'
Now, a year on, The Sun reports that A22, the Madrid-based company behind the new competition, is set to launch 'The Unify League,' a revised version of the ESL with the new format that was unveiled last year.
The entire project will involve 96 teams that will enter the four leagues on sporting merit, with the top two divisions - the Star and Gold leagues - boasting 16 teams each split into two groups of eight.
The remaining sides will enter the Blue and Union leagues with four groups of eight each. The Premier League will have three guaranteed entrants in the top division, two in the second and up to five spread across the remaining two.
There will also be playoff rounds for promotion to the Star and Gold leagues, while the league phase is scheduled to take place between September and April.
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A 'provisional' start date has been set for September 2026 and the total prize money is believed to significantly exceed UEFA's €2 billion Champions League prize pot.
All games will be shown on A22's 'Unify' platform to avoid fans having to own multiple subscription services, while viewers will be able to choose between signing up for a free or paid model.
A22 have made a 'formal submission' to UEFA and Fifa to “obtain official recognition for its new cross-border European club football competitions.”