European Super League new format breakdown – 80 teams, multiple divisions announced
The New Format: An Overview
Teams and Divisions: The league plans to feature up to 80 teams across multiple divisions. Unlike the initial proposal, there won't be any permanent members in these divisions.
Structure: The league will be structured into several divisions, with the concept of promotion and relegation being integral to its functioning.
Matches: Each participating team is guaranteed a minimum of 14 matches per season. This includes 7 home and 7 away games.
Open Competition: The league is envisioned as an open competition, with teams qualifying based on their performance at the national level.
Phases: The competition will have two main phases - the league phase and the playoffs.
According to a report from Roman Fabrizio, the Super League potential format was announced, with 64 teams and 3 divisions (Star, Gold and Blue) including promotions and relegations.
🚨🏆 Super League potential format announced.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2023
🔢 64 teams.
📊 3 divisions (Star, Gold and Blue) with promotions and relegations.
⚽️ 14 games each season per team.
🏡 7 at home.
🛫 7 away.
🔓 It will be an open competition
⚔️ Two phases: League and playoffs. pic.twitter.com/onKZ5vVq09
There will be 14 games each season per team, 7 at home, 7 away. It will be an open competition with two phases, League and playoffs.
The format was explained by A22 Sports - the company behind a new European Super League - unveiled their new format proposal for European club competitions in men's and women's football which was reported by Sky Sports.
A22 Sports - the company behind a new European Super League - unveil their new format proposal for European club competitions in men's and women's football ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zzU5gEkp3L
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 21, 2023
Criticism and Response
Despite these changes, the concept of a European Super League continues to face criticism. La Liga, for instance, has reiterated its opposition, describing the league as a "wolf in sheep's clothing," indicating deep scepticism about the league's potential impact on European football.
The Football Supporters Association has also expressed its displeasure, emphasizing that an open competition for Europe's top clubs already exists in the form of the Champions League.
However, according to reports from CentreGoals on X, despite the drawbacks from some clubs, the likes of PSV, Feyenoord, Benfica, Porto, Italian clubs, Red Star and Anderlecht have accepted the new Super League.
They see this as a massive opportunity to leave their financial problems away and be back to their best.
🚨🚨| PSV, Feyenoord, Benfica, Porto, the Italian clubs, Red Star, Anderlecht are some of the clubs who have ACCEPTED the new Super League. They see this as a massive opportunity to leave their financial problems away and be back to their best.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 21, 2023
[@mundodeportivo] pic.twitter.com/uLA6KoL1lZ
Financial Aspects
The new Super League aims to generate substantial revenue, thereby supporting the entire football pyramid. The distribution of these revenues, however, remains a contentious issue, especially among clubs that are not part of the Super League.
Conclusion
The revamped European Super League, led primarily by clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus, seeks to address the financial imbalances and sustainability issues in European football.
However, the response from football governing bodies, clubs, and fans indicates that there are still many hurdles to overcome before the league can become a reality.