Europe’s elite clubs are on the verge of creating the European Super League which threatens the current football structure as we know it. Official statements were released by the league and each of the 12 participating clubs which has not been well received by fans and pundits alike.
While UEFA and the domestic leagues have condemned the formation of such a league, 6 clubs from England, 3 each from Italy and Spain have joined in as the founding clubs of the league.
The founding clubs are expected to receive a payment of 3.5 billion Euros for their participation and involvement in the league.
“AC Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined as founding clubs,” said a statement by the European Super League
The league is also looking for three more clubs to commence the competition as soon as possible.
“Three additional clubs will be invited to join them before the start of the inaugural season which will start as soon as practicable,”
Apparently, the European Super League also approached the European heavyweights from Germany and France. Clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund turned down the request to join since football heritage is a matter of utmost priority in the country. While Paris Saint-Germain refused their involvement with their chairman having good relations with the UEFA and even holding a position on the body.
Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez will be the chairman of the European Super League league while the owners of Liverpool, Manchester United and a few more clubs will act as vice-chairmen of the league.
“By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid,” said Joel Glazer, co-chairman of Manchester United
The format of the league is reportedly said to comprise 20 teams in all. All of the 15 founding members will play with no basis of relegation, and 5 additional teams will be invited on the basis of merit of their performance in the previous season.
The teams would then be divided into 2 groups of 10, out of which 4 from each group will be qualified for the quarter-finals.
Games are expected to be held mid-week as the teams still want to contest in the domestic leagues. However, the domestic leagues have threatened to take strict actions against the clubs who choose to participate in the European Super League.
UEFA and FIFA have also issued a statement wherein it has been mentioned that the players who will participate, won’t receive clearance for participating with their national teams for events.
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