Renamed Super League asks to be recognised by FIFA and UEFA

By AFP

December 18, 2024

European sports development company A22 CEO Bernd Reichart during an interview after the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League. — Reuters/File

PARIS: Super League promoters on Tuesday revealed they have asked FIFA and UEFA for “official recognition” of their proposed competititon, renamed the “Unify League”, leaning on a ruling from Europe´s top court.

A22 Sports Management said it sent the proposal after discussions with various leagues, clubs and other stakeholders, revising its qualification system to base participation on annual domestic performances.

It has submitted plans for competitions featuring 96 teams divided into four leagues, running from September to April, followed by a knockout phase starting with the quarter-finals. Promoters also said matches would be shown live for free via a streaming platform.

European football was hit with a bombshell in early 2021, when 12 of its biggest clubs announced they had signed up to the planned Super League, triggering a furious backlash from fans and a stark warning from UEFA that clubs and players who took parts would be barred from competitions like the World Cup. Within 48 hours nine of the 12 rebel clubs -- including six from the English Premier League -- backed down and the project collapsed.