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Four divisions planned for a new 96-club European Super League are inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue, and Union.
Promoter A22 Sports unveiled its vision for a “Unify League” yesterday and mentioned that it has contacted Fifa and Uefa for official endorsement.
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A22’s previous effort for a closed 20-team league failed in April 2021 amid intense fan backlash, as reported by The Sun.
Yet, A22’s management insists that Uefa should support its vision following a December 2023 ruling from the European Court of Justice, which indicated that earlier attempts to prevent a Super League were against EU law.
An A22 spokesperson confirmed yesterday: “The league names draw inspiration from the EU Flag/Flag of the Council of Europe.
“The Unify proposal is in line with the principles of the European Union and adheres to its regulations.
“It is open to clubs from all 55 participating nations.”
Clubs would qualify based on their performances, rather than being guaranteed a place.
Viewers could stream the matches for free on a direct-to-fan Unify platform, although subscriptions for an ad-free experience might be needed.
However, one fan commented: “They’ve used an EU ruling as their excuse, and now it looks like the names of the leagues have been influenced by the flag. This is absurd.”
A senior Uefa official dismissed the initiative as “nonsense” referring to it as a “Christmas pantomime.”
Tim Payton from the Arsenal Supporters Trust stated: “We strongly oppose these proposals and reject any breakaway or super leagues.”
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He urged the football regulatory body being established by the UK government to prevent this proposal.
The top tier in the Unify League, Star, would comprise 16 clubs divided into two groups of eight.
The second division, Gold, would mirror this structure.
The remaining 64 teams would be categorized into the Blue and Union leagues.
Each of those divisions would consist of four groups of eight.
A concurrent league for women would also be established.
A22, headquarterd in Madrid, is backed by Real Madrid, its president Florentino Perez, and Barcelona.
A22 CEO Bernd Reichart mentioned that the Unify League aims to address challenges such as increasing TV subscription costs, a packed schedule, insufficient funding for women’s football, and growing discontent with the existing competition structure and governance.
We strongly oppose these proposals and reject any breakaway or super leagues
Tim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters Trust
He cited the ECJ’s 2023 ruling stating, “any competition that enables inclusive and merit-based qualification while conforming to the overall match calendar can be formally organized.”
Mr. Reichart asserted that A22 has consulted with clubs, leagues, and other entities.
However, Arsenal supporter Mr. Payton expressed doubts: “I don’t believe they’ve engaged significantly with fan groups.
“We continuously press Arsenal about the Super League during our meetings, and they assure us of their commitment to upholding existing structures and competitive balance.
“We urge the club to denounce and dismiss proposals like this.
“This is a breakaway initiative suggested by individuals beyond the jurisdiction of the FA, Premier League, and Uefa’s framework.
Bowing to Greed
By Will Barker, a Sun newsman and Villa supporter
Just when it seemed that greedy clubs had absorbed lessons from the previous Super League chaos, another outrageous proposition surfaces.
This time, the EU appears to have extended an invitation to wealthy clubs eager to siphon off even more funds from fans.
My team, Villa, has aspired since the Champions League’s inception to hear that iconic anthem resonate through Villa Park.
Fond memories of our 1982 European Cup victory have nearly faded away.
Yet we have glimpsed the splendor of this tournament rather than idly watching as our Premier League rivals thrive.
Remarkably, Villa’s journey in the tournament has been incredible — even conquering giants like Bayern Munich, igniting some of the most electrifying celebrations I’ve seen in the Midlands in years.
Football belongs to the fans.
It’s not a playground for affluent owners or the politicians in Brussels who need to refrain from meddling in our cherished sport.
“They are promoting it as slightly more competitive, but it still remains a breakaway plan fueled by Real Madrid and Barcelona.”
Manchester United supporter and football writer Andy Mitten added: “I doubt the feasibility of this, and it appears to be mainly pushed by Real Madrid.
“I do not support it.”
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Fan Doug Sanders from Spurs tweeted: “Just no!
“It’s clear that player injuries are increasing due to the congested fixture lists, leaving minimal rest periods over the calendar year.
“This is merely a profit-making scheme for A22.
“I assume this would be broadcast on yet another obscure platform requiring fans to acquire a separate subscription.”
Another supporter remarked: “Perez appears to be ignoring rejection, doesn’t he?”
Someone else commented: “Nobody wants this.
“Let’s end this ridiculousness now.”
No one wants this. Let’s stop this nonsense immediately
A supporter
Another user stated: “A total waste of everyone’s time.
“As pointless as the new World Club Cup.
“Stop catering to faceless clubs.
“Fans long for competitive local fixtures.”
The new structure could allow for up to ten Premier LeagueChampions League, two in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League.
The Premier League would feature three teams in Star, two in Gold, and possibly five more spread throughout the other divisions.
The original Super League concept promised guaranteed entry for twelve rebellious clubs, including the Premier League’s Big Six — Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, and Man Utd.
All placements within the Unify League will be earned based on the preceding domestic season’s performances.
A22 foresees 14 league phase matches running from September to April.
The top four teams from each group would then move on to a two-legged quarter-final, with victors progressing to a “final four” week of single-elimination matches to crown the champion.
This suggests that players, who already express concerns about burnout, would face an even more demanding schedule.
No official launch date has been announced, but speculation suggests A22 aims for a kickoff in September 2026.
The prize fund is still under discussion, but A22 has pledged £330 million in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and nations.
This total is expected to surpass the current £2 billion pot for the Champions League and the combined £700 million allocated for the Europa and Conference Leagues.
Measures to prevent clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the UK Government’s Independent Football Regulator, which is currently progressing through Parliament, backed by all major political parties.
Yet the new competition aims to replace Uefa and be directed by clubs — akin to how the Premier League was established over thirty years ago.
The Premier League, Uefa, and UK teams have yet to make any comments.
However, clubs are likely aware of the backlash that may arise from fans.
In 2021, thousands gathered to protest at Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man Utd.
They set off smoke bombs, demanded the resignation of club owners supporting the initiative, and criticized the proposed format, labeling it “Super Greed.”
Potential Merits… But Will Fans Embrace It?
By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports Reporter
The primary issue with the first Super League proposal was its evident unfairness.
Football has always been centered around on-pitch performance — ensuring the Premier League’s Big Six cannot remain permanently entrenched in a breakaway elite would preserve the very essence of the sport.
While many fans reacted with anger towards A22’s recent proposals, the new plans seem to address more concerns.
Qualification based on merit, rather than historical club legacy, represents a step forward.
Moreover, the introduction of more “big” matches, with all teams facing each other in a mini-league structure, would create a clearer competitive format than the current Champions League setup with its 36 clubs.
Concluding with an exciting knockout stage, particularly a final four week with single-elimination semifinals and a final, could invigorate the competitive atmosphere.
However, it seems implausible that a new streaming model offering both ad-supported “free” matches and a premium subscription service could generate the billions required to sustain four competitions each season.
The anticipated launch in autumn 2026 means considerable challenges must be addressed promptly — including winning over the fans whose resistance derailed the first Super League effort in just 48 hours back in 2021.
Ultimately, the success of this initiative will hinge on the clubs.
If they feel their interests are being adequately represented, it may indeed gain momentum — potentially even at the expense of the Carabao Cup.
