In response to the rumors that UEFA may change the Champions League format, the association has rejected such possibilities. However, it was revealed that UEFA had a casual conversation with A22 Sports Management, the company leading the revival of the European Super League project.
On Thursday, in an exclusive statement to Reuters, UEFA attested to the General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis’s meeting with A22 co-founder Anas Laghrari “on a few occasions in public places,” but emphasized that “these discussions did not lead to any formal results.”
“We reiterate with the strongest conviction that the UEFA Champions League format is not going to be altered in any way,” the statement from UEFA continues.
Earlier in the day, media had reported that A22 had reached out to UEFA officials to present the new ‘Unify League’ idea — a 96-team tournament split into four levels with promotion and relegation. A22 is said to be seeking UEFA’s endorsement for what it considers a merit-based, fan-friendly model that also allows free streaming of matches and gives access to more minor clubs.
However, football governing bodies and domestic leagues have made their stance clear that they are against the proposal, saying it would destroy the European football pyramid.
The Super League was first introduced in 2021, and after a huge backlash from fans, authorities, and football organizations. Still, A22 has been working behind the scences for a comeback following the 2023 ruling of the European Court of Justice, which opened the door for them to try again.
