The promoters of the European Super League have contacted UEFA and FIFA to seek official recognition for its new competition.
The original Super League was launched by 12 European clubs – including the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ – in April 2021 but quickly collapsed amid fan protests and opposition from the continental and global governing bodies.
Now, promoters A22 want the rebranded Unify League to be given approval.
A22 felt UEFA had abused a dominant position in blocking the original competition’s formation in 2021, and took the matter to court.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled last December that the old authorisation rules used by UEFA to block the Super League were contrary to EU law.
UEFA’s rules had been amended prior to the judgement being handed down, and it believes they are now compliant with EU law.
The ECJ said that rules governing the authorisation of new competitions needed to be transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate, which A22 claimed as a victory.
Premier League clubs publicly distanced themselves from joining the Super League in the wake of the ECJ ruling, but A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart told the PA news agency in April he had held direct conversations with top-flight English clubs since the ruling was handed down.
A22 said on Tuesday it had now modified the league’s qualification system so that it was based on annual domestic league performance.
UEFA has been contacted for comment.
Nottingham Forest are currently in the top four in the Premier League - a position that earns qualification for the Champions League - and the Reds' form so far this season has sparked hope they could be playing in Europe next season.
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.