UEFA Dismisses Reports of Plans to Revamp Champions League Format Amid Super League Talks
UEFA confirms informal discussions with A22 Sports Management but stresses no changes to Champions League format are planned.
“No formal outcomes resulted from these conversations...”
UEFA confirms informal discussions with A22 Sports Management, the company behind the European Super League plans. However, they emphasize that no changes to the Champions League format are being considered.
No Plans to Revamp Champions League
UEFA's general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, has met with A22's co-founder, Anas Laghrari, on several occasions. Despite these talks, UEFA insists that the Champions League format remains unchanged.
A22 has initiated exploratory talks with UEFA officials to discuss a potential framework for a new European football competition, dubbed the “Unify League.” This concept proposes a four-division structure featuring 96 clubs, with promotion and relegation mechanisms in place.
The Unify League is promoted as a merit-based, fan-friendly alternative to current European tournaments. Key aspects include free match streaming, greater access for smaller clubs, and a structure designed to provide more competitive games.
UEFA has confirmed holding informal discussions with A22 Sports Management but emphasizes that no changes to the Champions League format are being considered. The governing body stresses that there's no formal agreement or outcome from these conversations.
The Unify League concept has sparked debate, with the Union of European Clubs (UEC) criticizing it as an “elitist vision” that would consolidate power among wealthy clubs and marginalize smaller ones. A22, however, claims its proposal is designed to address pressing issues in European football.
“We can confirm reports that (UEFA general secretary) Mr Theodore Theodoridis had met with (A22 Sports Management co-founder) Mr Anas Laghrari on a few occasions in public settings.
“No formal outcomes resulted from these conversations,” UEFA told Reuters on Thursday.
“We categorically reaffirm that there are no plans to change the format of the UEFA Champions League.”
A22's leadership, comprising CEO Bernd Reichart and co-founder Anas Laghrari, presented their proposal as a complementary addition to domestic leagues, rather than a direct competitor to UEFA's competitions. This approach aims to garner support from football authorities.
Despite A22's efforts, football bodies and national leagues remain opposed to the idea, citing concerns that it could destabilize the European football pyramid. The potential disruption to the current structure and the potential loss of revenue for smaller clubs are key concerns.
The original European Super League project was met with intense opposition from fans, governments, and the football community, ultimately leading to its collapse in 2021. The backlash highlighted the complexities and challenges of reforming European football's governing structure.
Over 97% of UEFA’s net earnings go back into football, ensuring the European game continues to thrive at all levels.@UEFA | #UCL pic.twitter.com/cazBYWuLR5
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 9, 2025
The initial European Super League project saw 12 prominent clubs sign up, but it quickly lost momentum as nine clubs withdrew due to concerns over the proposed format and potential backlash. The idea of a breakaway league was met with significant opposition from fans, governments, and the wider football community.
A22 revived the concept after the European Court of Justice ruled in 2023 that UEFA's restrictions on rival competitions could breach EU competition law. This ruling paved the way for alternative competitions like the Unify League, which aims to provide a more inclusive and merit-based structure for European football. The Unify League features 96 clubs divided into four divisions, with promotion and relegation mechanisms in place.
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