Proposals for a fresh European Super League consisting of three tiers have been disclosed with the aim of tapping into the complete capabilities of European club football.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has made a historic ruling, allowing the newly revamped European Super League (ESL) to proceed. Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, expressed his satisfaction with the decision and promptly unveiled the revised format of the tournament.
The ESL will no longer operate under a closed-shop system, but will instead prioritize sporting merit, eliminating the concept of permanent members. This change directly addresses a significant criticism that the league encountered upon its initial proposal in 2021. As mentioned on the A22 website, the ESL envisions a league structure spanning across Europe, where 64 men’s teams and 32 women’s teams will engage in midweek competitions. The ultimate goal is to cultivate an exhilarating and fiercely contested football season, featuring crucial matches at every stage.
The men’s tournament will be divided into three leagues: Star, Gold, and Blue. The Star and Gold leagues will constitute the upper echelons, encompassing 16 teams each. On the other hand, the Blue League, positioned at the base, will consist of 32 teams. In groups of eight, clubs will compete in both home and away matches, with the top eight teams advancing to a final knockout stage to determine the league champions.
The women’s competition will adopt a comparable structure, where 32 teams will be divided into two leagues, namely the Star and Gold Leagues, each comprising 16 teams. These clubs will be further divided into groups of eight before proceeding to the knockout stage.
Reichart emphasized the objective of collaborating with clubs and other involved parties to establish a beloved competition, cherished by fans not only within Europe but also worldwide. He further emphasized the significance of creating a long-lasting football environment that supports both men’s and women’s games, unleashing the complete capabilities of European club football.
Football lovers can anticipate thrilling times ahead with the establishment of the ESL. Keep yourself updated for further information regarding this innovative progress.