Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, European Super League
Josh Lawless
Manchester United have become the first Premier League club to respond to recent developments regarding the European Super League.
On Thursday, the European Court of Justice sided with the ESL, announcing that FIFA and UEFA broke competition law by preventing the formation of the tournament.
That news was followed by A22 Sports Management, the company beyond the project, unveiling plans for a 64-team competition in a livestream.
United were initially one of six Premier League clubs part of the Super League before plans were shelved in 2021 as a result of fan backlash.
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And the club were quick to distance any involvement this time around.
A statement posted on the official club website read: "Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game."
Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two big driving forces behind plans to revive the ESL, but their Spanish counterparts Atletico Madrid have condemned the plans.
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Much like United, they too issued a strongly-worded statement and made it clear they "strongly oppose" the ESL.
In a presentation, Bernd Reichart, the CEO of A22 Sports Management, communicated the ESL's plan to "create the best competition" whilst also putting together "a more sustainable football ecosystem".
The proposed format is for 64 teams to participate in three divisions, named 'Star', 'Gold' and 'Blue'.
Star and Gold Leagues have 16 clubs each, with the Blue, bottom league having 32 representatives.
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The company's website states that clubs would play at least 14 matches per year and they would take place in midweek.
There would be no permanent members and clubs would still be free to take part in domestic action, with relegation and promotion on the cards.