Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: UEFA, European Super League, Champions League
Josh Lawless
UEFA have received a final offer from the company behind the European Super League, a new report has detailed.
The Super League concept was first proposed and set to get the green light in 2021 before a slew of clubs backed out and the plans fell through following monumental fan backlash.
UEFA were strongly against the Super League but the governing body, along with FIFA, were dealt a major blow in 2023 when the European Court of Justice ruled that they both acted against competition law.
The concept has not completely disappeared, with Barcelona and Real Madrid believed to be the driving forces behind it.
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And according to Mundo Deportivo, confidential negotiations involving UEFA, officials from Barca and Real as well as A22 Sports Management, have been taking place over eight months.
Discussions have centered around overhauling and evolving the Champions League format - which has changed to a 36-team league phase in recent times - as opposed to a breakaway project.
Following these conversations, the Super League have issued a last proposal to UEFA which would see a similar format to the one currently adopted - but with a number of changes.
There would still be 36 teams but they would be split into two tiers of 18 based of UEFA coefficient. Those in the top 18 would play eight games against "top opposition", with teams ranked 19-36 playing in more balanced games.
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For the knockout phase, the top eight would secure automatic progression to the round of 16 and then 16 sides from group one and group two would be paired into last 32 ties - which would be decided by performance and league finish.
The Champions League would not be changed in any way but the broadcasting arrangement is where the most significant shift would be.
All games would be broadcasted for free on a brand new streaming service called UNIFY - with geolocated adverts.
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For an add-free experience, a premium, paid subscription would be made available for viewers.
UEFA are believed to have a favourable view of plans after improving relations with the Super League of late, with the next step being discussions matters at their headquarters in Nyon.
If signed off, the format would be implemented in 2027 when existing broadcasting rights expire.