The European Club Association (ECA), representing top football teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, has criticized the revival of a European Super League project as a disruptive campaign by separatist self-interested clubs. The ECA chairman, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, sent a memo to the board outlining concerns about the Unify League initiative, calling it a publicity-seeking attempt lacking substance.
A22, the group behind the Unify League, has submitted proposals for a 96-team competition to FIFA and UEFA in an effort to challenge UEFA’s Champions League. The plan includes broadcasting games on a free-to-air streaming platform instead of selling rights to broadcasters.
Several English Premier League clubs that initially joined the European Super League, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, faced backlash and withdrew their participation. The fallout led to discussions about regulating English football and fines for the clubs involved.
A22, previously associated with the ESL, has now introduced the Unify League with changes aimed at addressing previous criticisms. However, ECA remains staunchly opposed to the new venture, citing concerns about financial sustainability, transparency, and impact on domestic leagues.
The ECA chairman emphasized the need for a united front against divisive efforts by A22 and expressed confidence in the partnership between ECA and UEFA to preserve European football’s integrity. Criticism of the Unify League’s proposals and motivations is central to the ECA’s response.
Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, defended the Unify League as a response to challenges facing football, including high costs for fans, calendar congestion, and governance issues in current competitions. A22 aims to address these issues with its proposal.
A source close to A22 called for open dialogue and constructive engagement in discussing football reforms, emphasizing the importance of understanding proposals before making judgments.