The ambitious, and ultimately failed, European Super League project is officially over. After nearly five years of contention, Real Madrid and UEFA reached an agreement on Wednesday, effectively ending the possibility of a breakaway competition reshaping European soccer.
“Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid CF announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the well-being of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology,” the announcement stated. “This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented.”
What Was the European Super League?
The European Super League was a proposed tournament announced in April 2021 by 12 of Europe’s most prominent clubs. The intention was to create a rival to the UEFA Champions League, granting the founding clubs greater control and financial benefits. The initial group of founding clubs included:
- Real Madrid
- Barcelona
- Atletico Madrid
- Manchester United
- Manchester City
- Liverpool
- Chelsea
- Arsenal
- Tottenham
- Juventus
- AC Milan
- Inter
The original plan, met with widespread disapproval from fans globally, envisioned a largely closed competition. Founding members would have guaranteed spots, with limited opportunities for other clubs to qualify based on domestic performance. This structure raised concerns about diminishing the value of existing domestic leagues, particularly for smaller clubs. While many of Europe’s elite initially supported the project, opposition quickly emerged from coaches and players, aligning with the growing backlash from fans and other teams.
Notably, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich declined to participate. Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez and former Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli were key figures driving the initiative. Agnelli, who resigned from his roles in 2023, was serving as president of the European Clubs Association (ECA) when the Super League was launched, and subsequently stepped down from that position.
Why Did It Fail?
The initial announcement sparked immediate and intense opposition from fans, players, coaches, and the media. Within 48 hours, all six English clubs withdrew, marking a significant victory for those against the project. The swift collapse was attributed to the intense backlash and perceived flaws in the initiative’s planning and organization. Manchester City was the first to announce its withdrawal, two days after the initial statement.
“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League,” the club announced.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was among the first prominent figures to publicly denounce the proposal. “I hope this Super League will never happen. With the way the Champions League is now running, football has a great product, even with the Europa League. For me, the Champions League is the Super League, in which you do not always end up playing against the same teams. Of course, it’s economically important, but why should we create a system where Liverpool faces Real Madrid for 10 straight years? Who wants to see that every year?” Klopp questioned.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes also voiced his opposition, posting on Instagram, “Dreams can’t be bought.”
Following the initial fallout, A22 Sports Management, the company formed to support the Super League’s creation, announced plans to relaunch the competition. However, a ruling by the European Court of Justice in December 2023 suggested that a ban on the Super League might conflict with European Union regulations.
Ultimately, the overwhelmingly negative public perception surrounding the Super League led Real Madrid, the last remaining proponent, to abandon its pursuit of a new competition. In February 2026, Barcelona also announced their withdrawal, just days before the agreement between Real Madrid and UEFA was finalized, effectively ending any remaining possibility of the project’s revival.
