No way back: Sunak determined to rob Glazers of their billion-dollar dream once and for all
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, along with the Government, has pledged to introduce legislation preventing English clubs from participating in the European Super League following the announcement of new plans for the controversial competition on Thursday.
In 2021, Manchester United and other “big six” Premier League clubs faced backlash from supporters when they agreed to establish the European Super League.
Despite initial plans, the clubs withdrew from the secret arrangement due to widespread protests.
However, some European teams, led by Real Madrid and Barcelona, persisted in advocating for the league’s creation.
On Thursday, the European Court of Justice ruled in favor of the backers, stating that UEFA and FIFA violated competition law by obstructing the league’s formation.
A22 Sports, the group behind the project, revealed the potential format of the European Super League as a replacement for the Champions, Europa, and Conference Leagues.
The league would comprise 64 teams, feature three tiers of competition, including an end-of-season knockout phase, and have no permanent or guaranteed membership.
There would be both men’s and women’s competitions, along with promotion and relegation provisions.
The CEO, Bernd Reichart, also claimed that games in the European Super League would be free for fans to watch.
Despite public rejection from several clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, AS Roma, Paris Saint-Germain, Feyenoord, AS Monaco, and others, the UK government aims to ensure British clubs don’t break ranks to join another league.
The Football Governance Bill, set to be introduced, will prevent British clubs from participating in similar breakaway competitions in the future.
The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport highlighted the fan-led review of football governance and the creation of an independent regulator for English football as decisive actions taken after the initial attempt to form the breakaway league.
Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dineage, chair of the culture, media, and sport select committee, cautioned the traditional “big six” Premier League clubs against involvement in the European Super League.
She emphasized the need for clubs to prioritize fan engagement and football governance reforms promised by the government.
The chief executive of the English Football Supporters’ Association, Kevin Miles, labeled the project “the European Zombie League” and asserted that no English clubs would join it.
For Manchester United fans, the government’s reassurances signify a positive step, making it unlikely for the Glazers to extend their stay with hopes of further financial gains from the Red Devils.
Despite the club’s statement, concerns about the Glazers’ intentions with the Super League persist, but the legislation would block any avenue for the owners to enter the project spearheaded by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
