22 December 2023 , 20:37
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has fired a subtle dig at UEFA and claimed he is pleased Europe's leading governing football body is getting a "bit of a shake".
It comes after the European Super League was given fresh hope when it was ruled that a suspension on breakaway leagues goes against European Union law. The EU Court of Justice confirmed: "The FIFA and UEFA rules making any interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful."
A revamped European Super League was released hours later, but every Premier League club - including Liverpool - have dismissed the project. In his pre-Arsenal press conference, Klopp reacted to the news and couldn't help but take a swipe at UEFA.
"I am delighted that we finally get a bit of an understanding," said Klopp. "I agree 100% with that statement [from Liverpool]. But I am delighted that we finally get a bit of an understanding that FIFA and UEFA and other bodies cannot just do what they want.
"In the future we have to talk about a lot of stuff and if we just do the things they [Uefa] do - like putting in more competitions and playing more games - and we don't have a real say in what is going on, I like that they get a bit of a shake."
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Liverpool were one of the 12 clubs to agree to play in the 2021 European Super League. Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan were the other teams involved in the project. However, after less than 48 hours, the proposal was in tatters following strong backlash from fans and pundits from across the continent.
Jurgen Klopp has fired a subtle dig at UEFA (Getty Images)Fresh plans have now been put together for a revived European Super League, though Liverpool released a statement against the project on Friday. It read: "Yesterday’s ruling by the European Court of Justice does not change Liverpool FC’s previous stance on a proposed European Super League. Our involvement has been discontinued. We will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."
Organisers of the revamped European Super League, A22 Sports, released fresh proposals on Thursday which are different to those that were put forward back in April 2021. It would consist of 64 teams split into three tiers - Star, Gold and Blue Leagues. A statement confirmed that "participation would be based on sporting merit with no permanent members."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also delivered his verdict on the European Super League proposal ahead of his team's trip to Liverpool on Saturday. "Football supporters and the passion they bring to games is the reason this game belongs to them," said Arteta. "Their opinion is very important and we have to look after them."