When news of the proposed European Super League broke in April 2021, it was met with vociferous opposition from fans and no end of pearl-clutching from pundits, broadcasters and even politicians.
Of course, there was a great deal to dislike about the original ESL proposal. Firstly, this was promoted as a closed and non-competitive shop for Europe’s biggest clubs, which would provide a vehicle through which these global giants could monopolise revenues and gain greater controls over their respective destinies.
Secondly, it would effectively signal the end for the coveted UEFA Champions League as we know it, creating a seismic change that was always likely to divide opinion.
More recently, new plans have been released pertaining to a revamped ESL, which tackles many of the previous concerns. But will these plans be more warmly received, and is the European Super League ultimately inevitable?
What are the New ESL Plans?
While the original Super League featured just 12 founding teams (with this potentially rising to 20 ahead of the inaugural season), the new plans increased this number to between 60 and 80.
These teams would be segregated into four separate divisions, with no permanent members and promotion and relegation permitted between tiers. Clubs outside the ESL would also have the chance to qualify for future iterations, while participating teams would contest a minimum of 14 matches per season.
The emphasis here was placed on merit and sporting performance, and the removal of any notion of a ‘closed shop’.
Similarly, A22 (the company which was established to oversee the creation of the ESL) have confirmed that they’ve approached nearly 50 clubs during a consultation period, with these entities located across the length and breadth of the continent.
Will These Plans be Better Received?
Interestingly, there was much less pushback in response to the new proposals, although this may have something to do with the lack of confirmation from invited teams.
Of course, Europe’s biggest clubs remain sold on the idea of a European Super League, despite the previous protestations of fans and broadcasters. Conversely, UEFA are likely to contest any ESL proposals and attempt at reform in European football, due to the impact that this would have on their revenues and level of influence in the sport.
Herein lies the crux of the issue, as the ESL really represents a standoff between European football’s governing bodies and the continent’s super clubs. Clubs such as Real Madrid certainly believe that UEFA earns too great a share of the Champions League revenue, while they also continue to baulk at the growing financial dominance of English Premier League sides.
So, not only are both camps entrenched in their views and unlikely to change their positions any time soon, but I’d argue that the realisation of the ESL is inevitable over time.
Why is the ESL Inevitable?
While you’d be better off cashing in on the Jack Poker promo code than betting on when the ESL will come to pass, the power that resides with Europe’s biggest clubs and their immense desire to make it a reality means that this really is an inevitability at some point in the future.
Even UEFA’s proposed expansion of the Champions League appears to lay the foundation for a de facto Super League in the future (at least in terms of scheduling games), while the threat posed by the sudden expansion of the cash-rich Saudi Pro League will also spur Europe’s biggest clubs into action.
So, although it’s hard to predict the precise form that the ESL will take and when it will assume centre stage in the continental game, it’s hard to envisage a scenario where the European Super League doesn’t become a reality in the coming years.
