The Proposed Format

The ESL format was meant to accommodate 20 teams, divided into two groups of ten. Each team would play both home and away matches against the other teams in their group. The top three teams from each group would automatically advance to the quarterfinals, while the fourth and fifth-placed teams would face off in a playoff to secure the remaining quarterfinal slots. The knockout stages would follow a standard two-legged format, with a single final match to decide the champion.

Why the Initial European Super League Failed

The announcement of the ESL in April 2021 sparked quick and considerable criticism. The key reasons for its failure were:

1. Fan Outrage: Football fans across Europe saw the ESL as a clear attempt by wealthy club owners to put commercial gain before of the sport's traditions and competitive integrity. Protests erupted in numerous locations, with fans demanding that their teams withdraw from the league.

2. Lack of Competitive Merit: The addition of 15 permanent members went against the notion of sporting merit that underpins European football. Critics claimed that it would create a closed competition, weakening the value of domestic leagues and limiting prospects for smaller clubs to compete at the highest level.

3. Political and Institutional Opposition: UEFA, FIFA, and domestic football bodies all expressed significant opposition to the ESL. UEFA threatened to ban participating clubs from all other events, including domestic leagues, while FIFA warned that players might be banned from international tournaments like the World Cup.

4. Club Reversals: Faced with enormous pressure from fans, players, and other stakeholders, several founding clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Atlético Madrid, rapidly withdrew their involvement, resulting in the project's demise

Impact on Football Clubs Across Europe

If the ESL had gone forward, it would have had a tremendous impact on football teams around Europe:

• Financial Disparity: The ESL would have likely increased the financial disparity between elite and smaller clubs, concentrating wealth and resources among a small number of teams.
• Domestic Leagues: Domestic leagues would have lost value, with ESL clubs potentially playing weakened squads in local contests to focus on the more lucrative ESL matches.
• Player Movement: Transfer dynamics may have shifted, with ESL teams having more financial resources to acquire top talent, thus reducing the competitiveness of domestic leagues.

Reaction from UEFA and FIFA

UEFA and FIFA's reactions to the ESL were unequivocal and severe. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin criticised the proposal as a "disgraceful, self-serving plan" motivated by greed. UEFA promptly suggested Champions League modifications to answer the ESL clubs' concerns. Meanwhile, FIFA reiterated its commitment to the sport's integrity and the value of merit-based competition.

Reaction from Football Fans

The fan reaction to the ESL was overwhelmingly negative. Supporters from clubs all around Europe banded together in their opposition, organising marches and campaigns to express their outrage. The fast and organised fan outcry was essential in convincing several clubs to reconsider their engagement, eventually leading to the project's collapse.

What's next for the European Super League?

Despite the initial setback, discussions about the ESL have not faded. Some club owners and executives remain optimistic about the concept's financial potential and continue to look into methods to change European football. However, any future attempts to resuscitate the ESL must address the key critiques and opposition raised by the original concept.

Possible future directions for ESL may include

1. Increased Fan Engagement: Any new proposal must prioritise fan interests and incorporate tools to increase fan participation and representation in decision-making processes.

2. Sporting Merit: Ensuring that qualifying for the league is based on sporting accomplishments rather than guaranteed spots for founding members will be critical to winning widespread support.

3. Collaboration with Existing Bodies: Collaborating with UEFA, domestic leagues, and other stakeholders to develop a solution that helps the entire football ecosystem rather than undermines it.

Conclusion

The European Super League was a daring and contentious plan that aroused heated debate and criticism throughout the football world. While it did not materialise, the concerns it expressed about European football's financial structure and governance remain valid. The ESL's future will be determined by its proponents' ability to solve the concerns of fans, clubs, and governing bodies while also improving the sport's financial viability and competitiveness.

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