European Super League. What is currently known

On December 21, the European Union's Supreme Court ruled that FIFA and UEFA acted unlawfully when they blocked the European Super League (ESL). Thus, the much-discussed football project now has a second chance at life.

DailySports recalls the entire chronology of the conflict, starting from the moment when the intention to create a tournament involving Europe's top football clubs was officially announced.

Discussions about establishing such a tournament had been ongoing for a while. In 2018, Perez began negotiations with other European clubs, mainly from Spain, England, and Italy, about the concept of creating a "breakaway" competition to provide "strong financial support" for all participating clubs.

On April 18, 2021, the Super League was announced. Twelve clubs were named as founders of the tournament, with three more slated to join later. Among the founding clubs were Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus. Real Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, was appointed as the project's leader.

UEFA and FIFA reacted extremely negatively to the news of the new tournament. UEFA stated that all clubs participating in the Super League would be excluded from domestic and European competitions. FIFA threatened players from participating teams with a ban from representing their national teams.

The creation of the tournament sparked extensive public controversy and condemnation from fans and the media. Even then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, strongly criticized the Super League.

Under public pressure, clubs started to withdraw from the project one by one: first, representatives from the Premier League - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham. As a result, only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus remained with the Super League until Juventus also announced its exit in June 2023.

However, the creators of the tournament did not give up. On May 31, 2021, the Super League filed a lawsuit against UEFA and FIFA, accusing the organizations of violating competition laws.

In December 2022, the presidents of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Florentino Perez and Joan Laporta, along with A22 Sport's CEO, Bernd Reichart, announced that they continue to work on "reforming European football" and the Super League project.

And now, on December 21, Perez and his associates won the court case against UEFA and FIFA. The main European football body has already responded to this decision, stating that they "are confident in the reliability of their new rules and will continue to abide by them.". The organization's president, Alexander Ceferin, commented on the court's decision in an ironic tone, stating that he “won't interfere with the creation of a tournament involving just two clubs”.

FIFA reacted more cautiously, stating that the organization would analyze the decision before making further comments.

Florentino Perez welcomed the court's verdict, calling it "historic" and one that "gives clubs more freedom." Barcelona's president also positively evaluated the court's decision, as, in his opinion, "clubs will now have more ways to control their future."

Several clubs have already opposed the European Super League, including Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmmund, Internazionale and others.

On December 21, 2023, a new format for the Super League was announced. According to this format, 64 teams will participate in the tournament, divided into three divisions based on strength ("star," "gold," and "blue" leagues). The divisions will have a promotion and relegation system, and matches will take place during the week. The launch of the tournament is planned in 18 months.