A22 Sports Management, a consultancy hired by the Super League Company, has presented a 10-point “manifesto” for revamping the European Super League (ESL) concept. A22 previously backed a 12-club ESL proposal in 2021, which did not materialize due to multiple protests against it. The new proposal would be for an ESL with no permanent members and based on sporting performance.
The 2021 plan contained 20 teams, including 12 founding members and three unnamed clubs that were expected to join later, plus five clubs who would have qualified annually based on their domestic achievements. According to A22, the new ESL would contain between 60 and 80 teams. Each team would be guaranteed a minimum of 14 matches per season and would continue to play in their domestic leagues, although no further specifics were provided on the suggested format.
Last year, UEFA approved a change in the number of teams that participate in the group stage of the Champions League, which will rise from 32 to 36 starting from the 2024/25 competition.
