The formation of the European Super League (ESL), an annual soccer competition, has been discussed since the early 1980s, yet the plan was put into action by officials only recently. However, it failed to take even its first steps as a functioning league when many soccer fans reacted extremely negatively towards this new competition. When a similar competition called the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (hereafter referred to as the Champions League) already exists, why were the long- reserved plans for ESL suddenly enacted? Moreover, why did fans refuse to adapt to this new competition?

What is the Champions League?

To understand the very short rise and fall of the ESL, knowledge of the Champions League is imperative. The Champions League is one of the most prestigious and highly recognized soccer competitions not only in European countries, but in the world. It consists of 32 teams that are split into eight groups of four teams. Each team competes five times against one team until the winner and the runner-up of each group moves up into the next part of the competition as the top 16 teams until they reach the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. The way the Champions League chooses the 32 teams for their next season is according to a score generated by the results of the previous season. In other words, it gives domestic teams a chance to participate if the team qualifies by virtue of being a domestic league champion or by virtue of coming in second to fourth in their domestic league.

The Champions League has always had the biggest global fanbase, which explains its huge economic scale. Due to its wide audience spectrum, the UEFA gets its revenue from selling broadcasting and commercials. This means that if there are more viewers, then the UEFA generates more money from advertisers. As such, the Champions League was thriving with its multitude of fans and their enthusiasm. That is why when the news of the ESL emerged, fans were infuriated, calling it an unreasonable new league.

Behind the European Super League Proposal

Der Spiegel, a German newspaper, reported on a leaked paper written in 2018 about the plan for the ESL. However, it was not until this year that the leaked documents came to light. According to their article, the ESL would act as a new rivaling competition against the Champions League. It would be structurally similar to the Champions League by taking the best teams to compete for the trophy. However, unlike the Champions League, the ESL would favor the biggest and financially richest soccer teams. In the leaked document, 12 teams were listed as the founding members of this cup. This means that the 12 teams were guaranteed to be part of this cup for 20 years regardless of their performance. Five teams that were listed on the document would be walking a fine line as they would have to work hard for a place in the next year’s competition.

Later on, on the Super League website, it was stated that the league would have “20 top clubs comprised of 15 founders and 5 annual qualifiers” and that “12 of Europe’s leading football clubs have today come together to announce they have agreed to establish a new mid-week competition.” It also mentioned that AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF, and Tottenham Hotspur have already decided to join as founding clubs.

According to Professor Kim Jin Se (Department of Physical Education), due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the leagues were suspended and the finances of the European football club deteriorated significantly. Participating only in the Champions League did not guarantee stable money to the players and the teams. Professor Kim mentions that the European Super League originated with the intention of creating a new league for rich soccer clubs to make more money. In particular, the creation of the league has become more resilient as global financial companies such as JP Morgan have decided to invest money in the ESL. Rather than the soccer players having personal thoughts on the ESL, the soccer teams took responsibility. Manchester United expressed this by stating they have “all witnessed the great passion which football generates, and the deep loyalty our fans have for this great club. You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened.”

The Following Reactions

After the proposal of the ESL, soccer fans began to protest the new league. Fans were disappointed that this new league would not allow smaller soccer teams to have a chance to compete. Instead, the ESL would make it difficult for smaller teams to play, even if they prove their skills through their respective leagues. It crushed the fans to see the team and sport they love being taken away to a capitalistic system.

The disappointment from fans was heard, and, although slowly, soccer teams began withdrawing their participation in the league. As fans shape and give the team popularity and power, it seems teams could not help but listen to their opinions. Within 72 hours, The Super League’s proposal became moot due to the criticism made by fans, players, teams, and even politicians. Chelsea FC and Manchester City were the first two clubs to withdraw their participation; soon after, other teams posted their official statement on Twitter.

As this league officially came to a dead end, the ESL expressed that they would “reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible,” gleaving a slight possibility for this project. Professor Kim emphasizes that there is no guarantee of the creation of the Super League due to opposition from European soccer fans. Professional soccer clubs, especially ones with long histories and rich traditions as the ones involved in the ESL, have their roots in fan satisfaction and loyalty. Although the officials of ESL assured that they will reshape the project, the future of ESL is not bright. The creation of a new league will be a difficult task; however, if it were to happen, there are many factors that should be reconsidered such as finances, fans, teams, and players opinions.