Uefa hits back at plans for European Super League
English, Spanish and Italian football authorities, along with Uefa, announced yesterday that any clubs who take part in a so-called European Super League would be banned from all other competitions.
European football’s governing body said it had learnt that some clubs from respective countries might announce a breakaway competition.
“The clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams,” Uefa said in a statement.
Media reports yesterday said an announcement on plans to create a Super League could be made later in the day.
The English Premier League has said it “condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit” following reports that six of its clubs were supporting a new league.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are reported to be involved.
La Liga’s Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid and Serie A’s AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are involved.
“Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best,” the English football governing body said in a statement.
“We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream.
“A European Super League will undermine the appeal of the whole game, and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future prospects of the Premier League and its member clubs , and all those in football who rely on our funding and solidarity to prosper.”
Uefa is planning to announce its reforms to the Champions League today, with an expansion to 36 teams from 32 and two ‘wild card’ slots expected to be among the plans.
There have been no reports of French or German clubs interested in the Super League. “We thank those clubs in other countries, especially the French and German clubs, who have refused to sign up to this,” Uefa said.
“We call on all lovers of football, supporters and politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project if it were to be announced.
“This persistent self-interest of a few has been going on for too long. Enough is enough.”
“It is illegitimate, irresponsible and anti-competitive by design,” said Fans Europe, a football supporters’ network.
Notably, last season’s two Champions League finalists, Bayern Munich and Paris
Saint-Germain, are not involved. “Economic interests of a few top clubs in England, Italy and Spain must not result in the abolition of established structures in the whole of European football,” German Football League chief Christian Seifert said.
“It would be irresponsible to damage the national leagues, as the basis of European professional football, in this way.”
The English Premier League has said it ‘condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of ... sporting merit’