UEFA have been presented with a final proposal for the Super League project that would include dramatic evolution of the current Champions League format. According to Mundo Deportivo, the project has been under tight wraps for the past eight months, with UEFA, Super League backers A22 Sports Management, and key powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid conducting secret negotiations to hammer out a deal that could end football’s civil war.
Carl RecineFrom war to peace: a secret deal in the making
Since the infamous Super League breakaway fiasco in 2021, tensions between UEFA and Europe’s elite clubs have simmered beneath the surface. But now, after seven rounds of discreet meetings, some even taking place inside UEFA’s own headquarters, both sides are finally edging toward a compromise. The goal? A revamped European competition that keeps UEFA in charge, satisfies the big clubs’ financial ambitions, and prevents the re-emergence of a rogue Super League.
AdvertisementThe final offer: Free global tv and a supercharged format
The Super League’s latest and perhaps last proposal includes two revolutionary ideas designed to win UEFA’s approval.
A free global streaming platform, making top-tier European football accessible to fans everywhere.
A revamped tournament structure that mirrors the Champions League but promises more thrilling, high-stakes clashes from day one.
The free streaming service, named UNIFY, would feature both ad-supported and premium options, offering global access to every match while keeping viewing costs low. It’s being hailed as a modern, fan-first approach that could revolutionise football broadcasting, bringing in bigger revenues and broader reach than existing TV deals.
Getty/GOALA new “super” champions league format
Under the proposal, the Champions League would remain by name, but with a bold new look. The current 36-team setup would stay, yet the structure would be split into two separate groups of 18 clubs each. The top 18 clubs, ranked by UEFA coefficients, would face off in eight blockbuster first-phase matches against fellow heavyweights. Meanwhile, the lower 18 clubs, ranked 19th to 36th, would play their own eight fixtures, a mix of competitive, evenly matched encounters determined by draw. Qualification for the tournament would still come via domestic league performance, keeping national competitions relevant.
Knockout chaos: A fresh twist to the finals path
The knockout stages would also get a makeover. The top eight teams from the elite group would automatically qualify for the round of 16. The remaining 16 spots would be filled through a dramatic playoff round, with teams ranked ninth in Group 1 battling lower-ranked qualifiers from Group 2 in what promises to be explosive, winner-takes-all ties. Once the round of 16 begins, the structure will follow the familiar knockout route to the grand final. The goal? To keep the essence of the Champions League intact while supercharging the competitiveness and unpredictability of every round.