The winds of change have been rapidly blowing amid the developing landscape which is set to shift European football forever.
It's no exaggeration to state the coming months and years will alter how the beautiful game is viewed, consumed and enjoyed by clubs, decision makers and supporters over the next generation. In the blue corner is UEFA and their flagship Champions League tournament which pits the best teams in the Continent against each other and has ruled unopposed for 67 years, firstly as the European Cup before the major rebrand in the early 90s. Now Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are hell-bent on changing that.
The new challenger is aiming to land some haymakers and leave UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin and decision makers on the canvas. The European Super League 2.0 were defeated in their opening bout but they are back again amid a sweeping shift and are aiming on becoming the dominant club tournament in world football. But is it unfounded bluster or a sign that football is about to be modified beyond recognition?
Record Sport runs the rule over everything you need to know amid a box-office fight for superiority ahead of a December court date as the ESL hopes breathes new life into their breakaway.
Celtic and Rangers coveted
It's always nice to be wanted but will Celtic and Rangers really make the leap? The Mirror claim Scottish football's big two will be coveted by the ESL in a bid to broaden their horizons. Remember, the original Super League manifesto was all about the elite with only clubs from England, Spain and Italy up for a breakaway. But the appeal of Celtic and Rangers is world-renowned and it's understood the pair plus Ajax are being eyed. However, the clubs targeted have been well represented by the European Club Association over the years - a body which fights for the best interests of UEFA's clubs. The idea of the Glasgow giants upping sticks adds intrigue, of course, but the duo hold great value to UEFA with both enjoying some of their greatest moments competing for glory in the international arena.
New CEO, same wish
The ESL has a fresh look and a new frontman in German TV executive Bernd Reichart. The sharp-suited, smooth talking lead who is the face of the the operation. And Reichart is utterly convinced the "rebel three" will get their wish and he wants to open up a line of communication with bigwigs in Nyon. Reichard stated: "My message (to UEFA) would be an invitation for dialogue as well. We did send them a letter. I think, just like a year and a half ago, it will remain unanswered but let's see if they understand that dialogue is necessary and that we are not against anybody, but in favour of a lot of things. We are open to pick up their phone call."
Their major Champions League gripe
Put the court date to one side and that's their way in, of course. But what are the on-field gripes of the European Super League in relation to the Champions League? It all centres around the revised format which will kick into action at the start of the 2024/25 season. The UCL will increase to 36 teams from 32 and there will be more fixtures in the early stages but not in. The traditional group style, as a new league format takes over. And remember, UEFA's modified schedule came about in a bid to soothe the naysayers who are eyeing the exit door. The ESL claim that it's set to be a dud and they can offer real change with their proposals which look to turbo-charge finances and offer better solidarity payments to competing clubs.
Proposed start date
You'll not believe this! The plan is to kick off at the start of the 2024/25 season. Hey, isn't there another tournament set for a facelift launching at the same time? Reichart is adamant Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus plus who joins them will be ready within the next two years. He said: "That might be the first reasonable and realistic call but there are so many variables that I can't actually foresee. That is probably the first realistic call." And don't expect that to deviate if the European Court of Justice rules favourably on the breakaway competition."
ESL 2.0
The power grab in April 2021 was a murky affair which led to punters, pundits and onlookers revolting amid the pandemic. Seriously, games were still being played behind closed doors with fans unable to even meet their friends in the pub for a pint. The optics were horrific but Barcelona chief Joan Laporta - currently pulling more levers than a factory worker - insists the European Super League is good business for all.
He said: "Please forget about the Super League format and whether it is a rich, elitist, open or closed competition. If Barça is there, it will be because it is an open competition, with the best criteria of professionalism at all levels, based on meritocracy and with total respect for the state leagues. I assure you that you will have news soon."
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