Plans for European Super League spark warning from FIFA

Plans by Europe’s richest clubs to launch a new competition worth nearly $5 billion annually jolted FIFA and Champions League organizer UEFA into warning players Thursday that they would be banned from the World Cup if they take part in such a breakaway league.

FIFA and all six continental confederations issued a statement saying they would not endorse a new so-called European Super League, and that players who participate in such a competition would be banned from playing in major international tournaments — such as the World Cup or continental championships. The statement was a clear response to proposals circulating in European soccer for the creation of a 20-team competition that would include 15 top clubs as permanent members. The five other teams would vary each season, although the qualifying method has not been determined.