The promoters of Europe's Super League have announced plans for its 64-team format, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice in Brussels that UEFA had breached European Union law by blocking the creation of the competition.
A22 Sports Management, which was set up late last year to promote the Super League after an initial failure to launch in April 2021, did not give details on when the new tournament might start or how much support it would receive from Europe's big clubs. But the organization has revealed that the contest will have a promotion and knock-offs, as well as being broadcast "for free" on a new streaming platform called Unify.
"Football is free. Free from UEFA's monopoly, free to pursue the best ideas without fear of sanctions," A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said in a video presentation in response to the Court's ruling that UEFA had used illegal tactics in trying to block the original project. The idea involved only 12 clubs at the time and failed within a few days.
The new plans announced today include 64 teams to be divided into three separate leagues, with 16 clubs in the top Star League divided into two groups of eight teams each. The second division - or the Gold League, will also have 16 teams, divided into two groups of eight, while the third division - the Blue League, will include 32 teams, in four groups of eight.
"Participation will be based on a sporting principle. There will be no permanent members, with clubs continuing their participation in their respective domestic leagues," added Reichart. The proposal means that each club will play a minimum of 14 games before the eliminations. A22 also added that it would offer "a minimum of €400 million" in solidarity payments to other European clubs, "double the current amount" that UEFA provides. Clubs will be selected for participation in the debut year based on "several transparent criteria and performances". The matches will be played during the week, just as European club tournaments, including the Champions League, take place.
A 32-team women's tournament is also planned, with A22's streaming platform generating revenue from "advertisements, premium subscribers, distribution partnerships, interactive services, and sponsors". /BGNES
