On April 18, 2021, twelve mighty clubs from across Europe came together to form the Super League. While UEFA looks to stop the Super League, the clubs remain persistent to leave. The Super League, also known as the European Super League (ESL), is a stronghold that could catastrophically destroy a 66-year long association.
UEFA Looks To Stop The Europe Super League
Backstory
The idea of the super league was first proposed in 1998, but the plans were put to a halt when UEFA decided to expand the annual Champions League tournament. Since then, numerous attempts were made only for it to fail. Over the years, there have been rumours involving the top clubs with little evidence to prove the same. As of 2021, the plan is finally being to put action to the bemusement of UEFA and fans alike.
Who Has Joined The League?
As per the joint statement released by the clubs, it can be said that Inter Milan, A.C. Milan, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, have joined the new league. The teams will reportedly play in a similar format to the NFL. The founding clubs will receive €3.5 billion to support infrastructure investment plans and to offset the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic. They will be receiving solitary payments that will be more than what is offered by UEFA at present. The league will be chaired by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Andrea Agnelli, Joe Glazer, Stan Kroenke, John W. Henry will act as the vice-chairmen.
The Criticism
The meeting has long been condemned by UEFA and the fans. It has attracted the attention of many managers, including the former Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal who stated that- “It is only commercially thinking.” The quote is about cynicism surrounding the idea of such a league.
As of April 18, 2021, there was an outcry from the media and the fans in the aftermath of the announcement. Social media went into a frenzy overnight and has left many people with a sour taste in their mouths.
The respective leagues involved displayed their commitment towards solving the situation and stated that any potential involvement in the Super League could result in a permanent ban. Clubs including Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich, Porto, and Borussia Dortmund have so far refrained from joining the league.
A Defiant UEFA Condemns The Super League
To further their commitment to the new league, Ed Woodward, Andrea Agnelli, and other parties involved signed off from their positions with UEFA. The news sparked outrage from the UEFA chairman Alexander Ceferin and the officials. The chairman disdainfully quoted– “This idea is a spit in the face for all the lovers.”
He further stated that any involvement in the Super League will make the players ineligible to represent their national teams ahead of the UEFA Euro and The World Cup in 2022. In the process, the clubs will be banned from playing in UEFA’s tournaments. The tournaments include the Champions League and the Europa League.
It is also said that four out of the six English clubs involved in the semi-finals of the European competitions as of 2021 could be booted out.
Is Super League The Future?
The competition has made headlines for being a supposed power grab and a nuisance in the wake of the pandemic. The damning verdict from fans and pundits should explain the magnitude of the situation. The battle between the clubs and UEFA has reached a whole new level and could potentially destroy their long-standing association. The fans from across the world have joined hands to fight the problem, as they look to seek a solution that suits everyone.
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