SUPER LEAGUE Q&A: What does landmark ruling mean for the breakaway league? Will Premier League teams sign up? And what does it mean for the Champions League?
- The European court ruled that teams should not be punished for participating in the ESL
- But it is still unlikely that major teams across Europe will join the leading group
- IAN LADYMAN: I'd rather watch a match at my local school than Man City in the Club World Cup – It all starts
The saga of the European Super League took another dramatic turn this week after a European court ruled in favor of the leading group when it ruled that clubs should not be punished for participating in the controversial competition.
It found that FIFA and UEFA acted in breach of competition law by blocking the creation of the Super League in 2021 after participating clubs were threatened with sanctions if they chose to join the leading group.
The announcement of the Super League two years ago sparked massive anger from across the game and furious protests from supporters, before the majority of teams decided to withdraw from the tournament.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are still behind a new, revamped version of the Super League, which still hopes to go ahead with its plans despite opposition from clubs to rejoin.
Mail Sport analyzes the biggest questions and talking points surrounding the latest chapter in the Super League debacle.
The Super League story took a twist after a court ruled that teams should not be punished for participating in the breakaway league
WHAT DOES THIS STATEMENT MEAN?
It means UEFA acted 'unlawfully' when it banned those involved from attempting to form a breakaway league in 2021. However, it does not mean that the Super League would be allowed.
UEFA has been told to change its rules on the pre-authorization of new competitions and bring them into line with European Union law, effectively making them more transparent.
They say they have already done this in 2022 and state that they now 'comply with all relevant European laws and regulations'.
UEFA acted unlawfully by prohibiting those involved from setting up a leading group
WHAT DO THE REBELS PROPOSAL?
Shortly after the verdict, A22, the Madrid-based vehicle behind the original plan, announced proposals for a 64-team, three-division men's league and a 32-team women's league that would be broadcast free-to-air.
However, CEO Bernd Reichert did not mention how the tournament would be financed and who would join Real Madrid and Barcelona.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin joked: “It's almost Christmas, they saw a box under the tree and started celebrating, but when they opened the box they realized there wasn't much in it.”
The ruling came as a huge blow to Gianni Infantino (L) – president of FIFA – and Aleksander Ceferin (R), head of UEFA
WILL ENGLISH CLUBS REGISTER?
No. Two things to note. Firstly, the fierce reaction of the fans the first time remains in the memory, and secondly, there will soon be a law in force that prevents them from doing so. There seems to be little appetite.
To their credit, Manchester United were the first to publicly say they would not participate, and were later followed by others from the 'Big Six'.
English clubs have already started to distance themselves from participating in the leading group
What about other countries?
German clubs were not involved the first time and will not be involved again. Paris Saint-Germain was one of the first to say no and is closely linked to the UEFA-backed European Club Association (ECA).
According to La Liga president Javier Tebas, only Barcelona and Real Madrid from Spain are on board. “So it will be those two and clubs from Belgium and the Netherlands, among others,” said a source. “Good luck selling it.”
In Scotland, Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell is vice-chairman of the ECA, although Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack hinted on social media that both Rangers would be among the 64.
IS THIS THE END OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
No.
