Another attempt at a European Soccer Super League unveiled

A22, the company aiming to set up a new European soccer Super League, announced in Spanish daily newspaper El País - through its CEO, Bernd Reichart - the principles on which its new project is founded. The company’s plan, to create a European league away from the continent’s governing body UEFA, has been modified from its original idea, which failed to take root. “European football is on the brink of the abyss. Huge imbalances have arisen across our continent and traditional European clubs, with a glorious past, today are unable to compete”, the document begins.

In the document, entitled “Ten principles for a European football league”, issues of vital importance are discussed such as access to the tournament - one of the main stumbling blocks on the original model. Also covered are the commitment and respect towards the domestic leagues, the improvement of the financial sustainability of the participating clubs and a greater emphasis on bolstering the competition and looking after the players who compete in it to make it more attractive to a younger audience. There are also sections on women’s football, fans and solidarity between clubs and institutions, including the European Union.

A new start for the European Super League

“Last October we started an open process of dialogue on the future of European football. Since then we have spoken with almost 50 clubs and other players in the sector and the conclusion shared by almost all of them is that the foundation on which European football is founded is seriously threatened. The time has come to make changes,” says Reichart.

It should be remembered that later this year the Court of Justice of the European Union will rule on the litigation between the Super League and UEFA on claims the latter runs an alleged monopoly in contra to the principles, values and fundamental freedoms of the European Union.

Super League clubs

In the original model, announced in April 2021, Premier League sides Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham were on board, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Milan and Inter.