UEFA Set To Ditch New Champions League Format To Beat European Super League – Reports

More games equals more money. More games equals more broadcasting revenue. And more games equals more opportunities for clubs to compete at the highest level. Earlier this year, UEFA proposed a revamp of their flagship tournament, the Champions League. They announced that, from the 2024/25 season, the tournament would follow a new 36-team format while opting for a league-based structure rather than the familiar group-stage format. This would increase the number of games from the current 125 to 189. Wouldn’t that do wonders for revenue and competitive balance? But as it turns out, the change might not happen.

In light of the recent developments surrounding the European Super League, UEFA is reportedly reconsidering its decision to implement a new format for the Champions League. Both UEFA and FIFA lost their case in the European Court of Justice, which ruled that the two organizations acted unlawfully by inhibiting the European Super League’s formation in 2021. As a result, UEFA is now contemplating holding off on the change.

UEFA thinking of making a U-turn, right after Super League was given the ‘Right to Compete’

Recent reports suggest that UEFA is considering abandoning its plans to introduce the new 36-team league-based format. Instead, they are leaning towards maintaining the current structure, which consists of 32 teams divided into groups during the initial stage of the competition. This decision is seen as a strategic move by UEFA to counter the threat to their viewership posed by Florentino Perez’s league.

Following the ECJ’s ruling against UEFA and FIFA, A22 – the company that masterminded the original project – put out a statement by its CEO, Bernd Reichart. “We have won the Right to Compete. The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction AND free to determine their own futures.”

Initially set to replace the Champions League, the Super League is a breakaway competition consisting of 64 teams across three levels, per its new proposal. It divides teams into the Star, Gold, and Blue levels, with 16 teams each competing in the Star and Gold levels and 32 teams in the Blue level. Its structure is to play matches in a league format, similar to what UEFA had proposed for the new Champions League format.

This similarity could be the reason the Union of European Football Associations has resorted to sticking with the current format. However, despite the existence of direct competition from the European Super League, UEFA continues to receive support from some of the most prominent European clubs.

Manchester United and other top clubs boycott the Super League

Back in 2021, 12 clubs announced the formation of the Super League. But the plan quickly crumbled when teams started withdrawing, one after the other. Of the 12 teams, only Barcelona and Real Madrid stood in support, and it could now work in their favor after the ECJ’s recent ruling that played into the hands of Florentino Perez’s Super League. However, It is important to note that not all teams are in agreement, just like in 2021.

Manchester United has firmly stated their refusal to participate in the Super League and affirmed their dedication to UEFA competitions. It put out a statement saying, “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.” The blue side of Manchester seems to have maintained its stance from 2021 as well.

Also Read: European Super League Strikes New Partnership With Unify To Broadcast Matches for Free

Likewise, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have taken a similar stance. They expressed their opposition to the Super League and reaffirmed their commitment to playing within the framework of UEFA. It is safe to say that the introduction of the Super League has greatly impacted the landscape of European soccer. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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