Could there be a day where the Champions League no longer exists? Right now the current structure of European soccer is top teams compete in their leagues for the chance to qualify for the Champions League. That normally means several of the top Premier League teams get left out of the mix and out of the revenue made in the Champions League. In an effort to prevent that, the European Super League could become a reality.
Miami Dolphins' owner and billionaire Stephen Ross met with top clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool to discuss the potential of forming the ESL to ensure that top clubs avoid the risk of not qualifying for the Champions League. Executives from the top clubs met Tuesday to discuss plans for the league and whether or not they see it following through.
Ross' plans are a big threat to UEFA's Champions League if they actually come true. Officials from the five clubs reportedly met at a hotel in London to discuss potential structure and financial backing. The move could be appealing to teams like Chelsea and Liverpool, who could be missing from Champions League play if they fail to qualify in the top two spots in the Premier League. The European Super League would give them somewhere to go instead.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told ESPNFC that he believes this league could be the future of football in Europe. Arsenal has qualified for Champions League play all 19 seasons he has been with the club, but he thinks change could come.
"I think you can guess my answer. This sport is based on merit, and is one of the few areas in social life where it's down to merit. You cannot guarantee anything to any club, no matter how big the support is," Wenger said.
There are disputing reports coming out regarding whether or not top teams are truly interested in breaking away from Champions League play. Sources are confirming that teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea stand by the Champions League tournament and the current structure of European football. Sources say the meeting that was supposedly about the European Super League was actually about the International Champions Cup, a preseason tournament that could potentially involve teams from China, the United States and Australia. For now, a European Club Association spokesperson said the idea of a super league is far off.
"There's a lot of discussion around the future of European competitions at the moment, as always ahead of a new competition cycle. Discussions are taking place at different levels, but, for the moment, nothing concrete was brought up at ECA," the spokesperson said.
