The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is making things clear. Even before the possible formalization of a “Superleague”, private and closed tournament, rival of the Champions League, she recalled that she would exclude the clubs that would participate. “Some English, Spanish and Italian clubs would intend to announce the creation of a closed competition called Superleague”, wrote the governing body of European football, Sunday, April 18, in a communicated co-signed by several national football federations and leagues, qualifying the project as “Cynical”. “As previously announced by FIFA [la Fédération internationale de football] (…), the clubs concerned will be banned from participating in any other competition at national, European or world level, and their players may be refused the opportunity to represent their national teams. “
Already brandished in January by UEFA and FIFA due to a similar rumor, the threat of exclusion of dissident clubs would have serious consequences, since it would result in depriving the players concerned of any career in selection, even then. that the formations approached for a Superleague are full of internationals.
Reform of the Champions League
It remains to be seen whether it complies with European competition law, which suggests a possible legal battle. This threat comes as UEFA meets on Monday its executive committee to endorse a reform of the Champions League supposed to cut the rug from under the feet of supporters of a private Superleague.
Several media reported on Sunday the possible formalization of such a project, a real sea serpent of European football often agitated by the big clubs to obtain more concessions from UEFA.
According to New York Times, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Spain, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in England, Juventus and AC Milan in Italy are affected by the project, and at least twelve teams in total have “Signed to be founding members or expressed interest”.
French and German clubs absent
UEFA has also said to thank clubs from other countries, “In particular the French and German clubs, which refused to take part in this project”. “We call on all football lovers, supporters, politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project, if it comes to fruition”, adds the European body, saying it is ready to use “All possible remedies, at all levels, legal and sports”, to prevent this.
As a symbol of the importance of the file, the Elysée wanted to speak on the subject in a press release: “The President of the Republic welcomes the position of French clubs to refuse to participate in a European football Superleague project threatening the principle of solidarity and sporting merit. The French State will support all the steps taken by the LFP [Ligue de football professionnel], of the FFF [Fédération française de football], UEFA and FIFA to protect the integrity of federal competitions, whether national or European. “