UEFA has released an update regarding the Champions League amid renewed discussions surrounding the European Super League. Despite informal talks with A22 Sports Management, the company spearheading the European Super League revival, UEFA insists that no changes to the Champions League format are on the horizon.
UEFA confirmed that its General Secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, has met with Anas Laghrari, co-founder of A22 Sports Management, in public settings on a few occasions. However, the European football governing body has firmly stated that these conversations have not led to any formal outcomes. "We categorically reaffirm that there are no plans to change the format of the UEFA Champions League," UEFA told Reuters.
Media reports indicate that A22 is actively promoting its "Unify League" concept. This concept proposes a league featuring 96 clubs across four divisions, incorporating promotion and relegation, and seeks official recognition from UEFA. A22 presents this plan as a merit-based and fan-friendly alternative to current tournaments, promising free match streaming and greater access for smaller clubs. Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, and Anas Laghrari have reportedly framed the proposal as complementary to domestic leagues rather than a direct rival to UEFA's competitions.
The initial European Super League project faced immense backlash from fans, governments, and the broader football community, leading to its collapse in 2021. Twelve major clubs initially joined the breakaway competition, which guaranteed permanent membership for its founders. However, nine clubs quickly withdrew due to the widespread condemnation. The concept was revived by A22 after the European Court of Justice ruled in 2023 that UEFA's restrictions on rival competitions could breach EU competition law.
UEFA's stance against the Super League remains firm, with the governing body emphasizing its commitment to maintaining open competition within European football. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has called for the continued upholding of the existing competitive structure.
In other developments, UEFA has "reluctantly" approved the staging of Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A matches in the United States and Australia, respectively. This decision comes despite the organization's clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country. UEFA stated that it found no clear regulatory framework in FIFA’s statutes to oppose the moves, but insisted that this decision is exceptional and should not be seen as setting a precedent.
