The controversial European Super League proposal is back, in a bid to challenge the UEFA Champions League, but is being rebranded as the Unify League.
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- Super League shelved after protests
- New format now being floated
- Competition could feature 96 clubs
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Initial plans to form a breakaway competition – which involved 12 leading clubs from across Europe, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid – were met with widespread opposition in 2021, leading to the project being shelved.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The concept never disappeared for good, though, with Real president and ‘Galactico’ fan Florentino Perez leading calls for its introduction. According to , a revised format is now being drawn up in a bid to wrestle power and control away from the Champions League – which is run by European football’s governing body.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Madrid-based company A22 have been brought on board to advise those at the heart of the Super League proposal. The plan now is to introduce a tournament that involves 96 clubs spread across four divisions, with the ultimate winner coming from the top two tiers – which would feature 16 teams and see eight games played in home and away fixtures.
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WHAT A22 CO-FOUNDER SAID
With knockout stages taken into account, the winners would play 18 games in total – with a similar format in place for the two lower leagues. John Hahn, co-founder of A22, has said: “We have listened intently to a broad group of clubs, leagues and fans and with these changes believe we have a lot of support. We are not expecting the public support of clubs at this time, logically that will come following the official recognition of the Unify League.”
