![]() ![]() “By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid,” he said in a statement.Īmerican investment bank JP Morgan confirmed to CNN on Monday that it will be financing the proposed tournament, underlining yet again the importance of money to those seemingly running the modern game. However, Joel Glazer, co-chairman of Manchester United and vice-chairman of the proposed Super League, insists the plans would help the wider game. Rumors of a proposed Super League have been circulating for years with the game’s most recognized clubs keen to have more control over TV deals and financial rewards. The new structure would all but end competition at the highest level and would make it almost impossible for smaller teams to break into Europe’s elite, shattering the sport’s long-standing ethos. ![]() There would be no promotion of relegation from the league, with only five qualification places available each year. The league is ultimately expected to consist of 20 teams and be governed by the founding clubs themselves. ![]() The breakaway group hopes to add three additional founders before the inaugural season, which is “intended to commence as soon as is practiceable,” according to the announcement posted on the 12 clubs’ websites. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin did not hold back on the new Super League plans. LIVE UPDATES: European Super League intent on shaking up ‘beautiful game’ “It’s hard for me to call it Super League because it’s all but super.” Ethics doesn’t exist in the group,” Ceferin added. “I was a criminal lawyer for years and I’ve met many tricky people that I’ve represented but I’ve never seen something like that. There had been hopes the new format would hold off the new Super League. The total number of teams participating will increase from 32 to 36 with the traditional group stage being remodeled into a single league stage. UEFA on Monday voted to approve new plans for an expanded and restructured Champions League to kick-in from the 2024-25 season. He confirmed UEFA would be taking legal advice as soon as possible in relation to this year’s Champions League semifinals, which features three teams currently signed up to the new Super League. The president of European football’s governing body had reiterated in a press conference Monday that any players involved in the proposed breakaway will be banned from the World Cup and European Championships. Juventus did not want to comment on Ceferin’s latest comments. “Their chairman approved something and then ran away, and he’s still hiding probably somewhere, I don’t know where he is.” For me, it’s always better to be naive than to lie all the time,” Ceferin said, previously referring to those involved as “snakes.” “I thought we are also friends, but I was wrong. He was particularly frustrated with Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who he said had been ignoring his calls since the rumors of the major announcement were circulating. And I hope they will raise their voice and stop this nonsense of a project that would kill football not only in the UK, but in all Europe.”Ĭeferin says he had previously been reassured by both Juventus and Manchester United that neither club would sign up to the new structure and was left surprised by the news. “Fans are not for sale and football players as well. “I’m proud and happy that fans respect football, that they love football, that they respect history and they’re not for sale,” Ceferin added. The announcement has resulted in widespread condemnation, with fans, players and politicians all criticizing the founding members for prioritizing financial gain and creating a closed shop for the richest clubs. ![]() In a joint announcement Sunday, six English clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur – alongside three teams from Italy – AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus – and three from Spain – Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid – laid out plans to form a breakaway competition. “If 12 people want to meet to take football hostage, just to fill their pockets that are already so full that it’s hard to put anything in, they can’t win. “Because we respect the fans, the traditions, football, the football community, our society, we will win. Speaking to CNN Sport contributor Darren Lewis, Ceferin did not hold back on the proposals which threaten to rock the foundations of the sport but was confident the new league would not be a success. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says the “shameless” plans for a new European Super League (ESL) are akin to taking “football hostage.” ![]()
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