21 December 2023 , 18:45
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Premier League clubs have been told they can decide the future of European football, by the brains behind the revamped European Super League.
The breakaway league was put back on the table on Thursday morning after the EU Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA cannot lawfully stop such a tournament being established or punish those involved. A22 Sports CEO Bernd Reichart responded, declaring "football is FREE" and that "UEFA's monopoly is over".
UEFA are confident of upholding the existing European football pyramid, while the Premier League "continues to reject any concept" of a breakaway competition. The ESL received a further blow when Manchester United - one of the original backers of the idea - confirmed they "remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitors".
And Chelsea on Thursday night insisted: "The judgment issued today by the European Court of Justice does not change Chelsea FC’s position. We firmly believe that, by working with the Premier League, The FA, other European clubs through our strong relationship with the ECA, and with UEFA and FIFA, we can, together, continue to develop the European game for the benefit of everyone."
The British government are also determined to stop clubs from joining "any breakaway competitions".
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But John Hahn, who is the co-founder of A22, is confident of persuading top clubs to join the ESL and has told Mirror Football that they are looking to build a new meritocracy... one based on choice.
Hahn refused to speak about any club in particular but insisted: "With dialogue, and as people understand what's been proposed and also the nature of the court ruling, it will be a compelling option for many, many clubs.
"I think the important point though is clubs now have a choice. They can support an initiative that we might help put together or they can go down a path that's more traditional... and you have to respect all of those decisions.
"But never have they had the actual option to choose. Now they do."
The original ESL plans in 2021 suggested a closed shop of elite clubs, with a dozen teams guaranteed to be involved each year. It was heavily criticised by fans, players, managers and pundits - and collapsed within 48 hours due to huge protests.
It will take time for the European Super League to win the trust of football supporters (Getty Images)What's your thoughts on the European Super League? Let us know in the comments below!
Now, ESL chiefs state that there will be 64 sides split into three tiers - 'Star', 'Gold' and 'Blue' - with participation based on sporting merit. A women's competition of 32 teams has also been proposed.
A22 insist it is too early to discuss the finer details of the potential ESL structure, but some teams will qualify for the tournament based on their "historical performance". Hahn explained: "The initial year, obviously you have to have some sort of principal in place on how you select the initial clubs and (decide) which league they go into.
"Our principal is that whatever process is, it has to be based 100 per cent on meritocracy. That means different things to different clubs. Is it (based on) domestic (results)? Is it international? Is it a mix? Is it last month, last week, last year or longer?
"These are the factors that need to be taken into account and of course there are many different combinations. We need to let clubs engage in that. Yes, we have views. But more importantly, we need to let them express their views."
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The ESL, who are planning to televise games for free, don't see the Premier League as their rivals because the proposed midweek competition will run alongside domestic leagues. Hahn insists it will be "fully in line with the football pyramid".