The European Super League, in ostracism after failing miserably at the time of its presentation, has returned to the charge against UEFA and FIFA taking advantage of the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Diarra case. The continental competition has used this resolution to strengthen its position that the rules established by these organizations are not adapted to current football, are not compatible with EU laws and it is necessary to change the situation.
In an interview with 'Kicker', Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, the company promoting the Super League, explained the current status of a project that is still standing despite not having an opening date. "At the moment, we are mainly looking at technological partnerships and the business model based on them, because we clearly believe that fans deserve a more affordable and improved experience on their screens," he said in reference to the current models of which their high price is criticized in some cases.
The harsh 'discharge' against UEFA and FIFA
Later, he proceeded to 'charge' against FIFA and UEFA, to whom he sent a strong warning. "The latest rulings of the CJEU have shown that international associations must guarantee and no longer prevent their activities and statutes from being compatible with EU law. The pillars on which the monopoly of these organisations has been based until now are collapsing," he stated emphatically.
And in the ruling on the 'Diarra case', the judges mentioned the resolution issued last December regarding the Super League on up to 35 occasions. This verdict stated that neither UEFA nor FIFA had the right to sanction clubs that wanted to participate in competitions outside the management of both.
On the latter, Reichart assured that "the willingness of clubs to talk has significantly increased and the fear of retaliation has been reduced," adding that "we have focused on dialogue from the beginning. Stakeholders can now play their part and take responsibility for a new, more modern football system for the future. In our opinion, it should be primarily the clubs and players who are responsible for deciding on important governance issues," he said.
His opinion on the new Champions League model
On the other hand, the CEO of A22 made clear his disagreement on the new Champions League format, which includes more and better matches that will increase UEFA's income. "Now anyone can ask: Have UEFA's objectives been achieved? In other words, more attractive and decisive matches in the preliminary round? I don't have that impression. In my eyes there are more matches without any real consequence for the outcome of the tournament," he said.
Finally, he ended up reinforcing his idea that the best format is a two-legged league. "Matches must be organised in such a way that there is as much as possible at stake on a level playing field. That is why we are in favour of a classic league format with a home and away tie followed by a play-off," he concluded.