European Super League LIVE: A22’s breakaway format won’t include Premier League clubs after ‘ban’ claims

The European Court of Justice has dealt a blow to Uefa and Fifa in their efforts to kill off the European Super League, but there remain many obstacles in the way of the ESL’s ambitious plans

New European Super League proposal revealed

The controversial European Super League is set to relaunch with new tournament plans this morning, after a landmark European Court of Justice ruling.

The ECJ ruled that Uefa and Fifa both acted “unlawfully” by blocking the rebel tournament when it initially launched in 2021. However, while the ruling stated that the governing bodies had “abused their dominant position” by forbidding the creation of any new club competitions, it also stressed that doesn’t mean the Super League project has to be approved in the future.

A22, the company backing the European Super League, gleefully declared that “the Uefa monopoly is over” and that “football is free”, while LaLiga released a statement condemning the Super League as “a selfish and elitist model”.

Following today’s ruling, A22 is announcing a new proposal for men’s and women’s midweek European Competitions at 11am GMT. In a change from the previous European Super League plans, participation will apparently be based on sporting merit, there will be no permanent members and the league will feature promotion and relegation.

Follow the latest updates and news from Luxembourg below:

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

• Super League given fresh hope after court rules Uefa and Fifa ‘unlawfully’ blocked project
• European Court of Justice determines breach of EU law to forbid the competition
• ECJ stressed that it doesn’t mean the Super League must be approved
• A22, company backing the Super League, announces controversial plans for new tournament
• Barcelona and Real Madrid release statements back new plans
• Manchester United, Bayern Munich and other clubs reject Super League proposals
• UK Government hopes to introduce independent regulator and ban English clubs from joining

[20 December 2023 16:57 · Jack Rathborn]

European Super League vs Uefa verdict

Welcome to the Independent Sport’s coverage of the European Super League’s case against Uefa at the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Real Madrid and Barcelona remain steadfast in their belief that Uefa has a monopoly over European competitions and that it is against EU law.

The initial plans of the ESL arrived back in April 2021 and after almost 1,000 days, this landmark case, which is due to shape the future of the beautiful game, is nearing its conclusion.

Follow for all the latest news and updates out of Luxembourg, plus reaction from around the football world following the verdict.