It's exactly one year to the day since 12 clubs across the continent shocked the world by announcing their desire to form a European Super League. Football fans, pundits and players unanimously condemned the proposals that would have changed the sport forever.
The fierce backlash caused the clubs - six of whom played in the Premier League - to U-turn on the plans, but sceptics fear they will stage a comeback in different packaging. UEFA - who were one of the most vocal opponents of the Super League - are attracting similar criticism for their Champions League revamp.
As it stands, a reboot in 2024 will see two additional sides - known as ‘wildcards’ - qualify for the competition based on historical performance. Using UEFA’s coefficient system, the two highest-ranked clubs that fail to qualify based on league position would be granted a Champions League spot.
GO HERE: Have your say on the failed Euro Super League one year on
For example, if Chelsea - who are fourth in the rankings - finished fifth in the Premier League, they would almost certainly be guaranteed to qualify. The regulations make it almost impossible for Leeds United to qualify given their current relegation plight.
The Whites were among the main opposition to the original Super League plans, wearing t-shirts and displaying banners at Elland Road. Speaking about the original ESL project, Angus Kinnear, Leeds United's chief executive said: "Despite the fact that we are ultimately only faceless administrators who should play no real meaningful part in the game, we are actually pretty much to a man, all football fans. It was almost like that if we didn’t act, then the game might die on our watch.
“This is as much about players dreams as it is about fans’ dreams. Our captain when he was playing in the Championship, Liam Cooper, was known as ‘League One Liam’ because nobody thought he was good enough to play in the Championship.
“A year and a half later, he’s captained a team who have won the Championship by 10 points and he’s now playing in the Premier League. Their dreams are tied to this issue as much as anybody else’s. This actually struck at the heart of why they play the game.”
The mooted revamp has been dubbed a Super League ‘by the back door’ as it is favourable for the so-called bigger clubs. UEFA’s logic is to appease Europe’s elite while making their showpiece competition as financially rewarding as possible. To do that, they must ensure the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal are always in the mix.
For Leeds, a club aspiring to play European football at some point in the future, the proposals are considered elitist and would give a huge advantage to the sides they are trying to gain ground on.
Clubs could attract better players in the transfer market despite their Champions League status not being merit-based. Andrea Radrizzani wasted no time in outlining in outlining the Whites' stance, tweeting "Absolutely against the sporting spirit, the dream of millions of fans to conquer the championships on the field, with planning, vision, work. Kill dreams of club, players and fans. The teams are fans and WE are the keepers of the club."
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