Featured Image Credit: Getty & European Super League
Topics: UEFA, Champions League
Josh Lawless
UEFA is apparently contemplating launching their own version of the Super League, in a controversial turn of events.
In 2021, fans received the news that 12 European giants had signed up for a breakaway league that would completely dismantle the current regime.
It was met with fury from fans who protested against the move, while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that any players who participated would be banned from playing in tournaments like the World Cup.
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In the end, the ESL said announced they would be suspending operations and so the league did not get off the ground despite some clubs signing 23-year agreements.
An outcome from the European Court of Justice is yet to arrive, however El Pais, via Calcio Finanza, are reporting that a Super League could still happen - with UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) potentially working together.
The idea would be for current competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League to be scrapped and replaced by a new system where there would be three divisions made up of 18 teams.
There would be two promotions and relegations between the top two leagues, with four between the third and fourth.
Some of the most powerful clubs in Europe are worried about how their status might be affected and would request that any potential relegation does not hinge on performance over one year.
Clubs would be allowed to increase their squads to 34 given the amount of games.
The Champions League format is changing regardless, as from the 2024/25 season, a further four teams will be added into the revamped competition, which is adopting a league structure.
The 2023/24 Champions League will be the final edition under the traditional layout as going forward teams will play eight games against seeded opposition in the first phase over ten matchweeks.
After that, the top eight in the final table will each the knockout stages, and teams occupying spots from ninth to 24 participating in a play-off which will see the victors progress.
SPORTbible has contacted UEFA and the ECA for comment.