A22 Sports Management, the promoter of the European Super League project, said that it is conducting formal negotiations with the European Football Association (UEFA) about the possibility of creating a new system for the Champions League competition, while the federation stressed its adherence to the current system and its lack of intention to make any changes.
A22 explained in press statements that it held regular meetings with representatives of UEFA during the past months, but it has not yet reached a final settlement.
The company talked about a series of legal victories it achieved before European courts, the most recent of which was a Spanish court ruling in May 2024, which ruled that “FIFA” and “UEFA” had abused their dominant position, stressing that “the organizers of the European Super League have the right to establish the competition and cannot be legally prevented.”
The company spokesman added: “What we have done is to propose an agreement that includes the creation of a free broadcast platform with very minor modifications to the current system of the Champions League.”
UEFA rejects the amendment and sticks to its position
On the other hand, the French newspaper L’Équipe quoted a source in UEFA confirming that the Union’s Secretary-General, Theodore Theodoridis, had already met with Anas Lagrari, who is close to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, but stressed that “the talks did not result in any official agreement.”
He added: “We confirm categorically that the European Union has no intention of changing the current Champions League system.”
The proposed version of the European Super League includes dividing the 36 clubs participating in the Champions League into two groups of 18 teams, with the highest-ranked teams qualifying for the round of 16.
An A22 spokesman said: “The proposal aims to double European football revenues, which are still much lower compared to US sports broadcast rights.”
Laporta hints at Barcelona’s return to UEFA
For his part, Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed that he informed Real Madrid’s management of his desire to abandon the European Super League project and return to full cooperation with UEFA.
Laporta said in press statements: “We are committed to building bridges between the European Super League and UEFA. Barcelona has a clear position, and we are working to create the conditions to reach a final agreement. We feel comfortable within the framework of returning to the European Football Association.”
