Five English clubs are among 11 founding teams in a proposal for a European Super League which would start in 2021, according to documents released by German magazine Der Spiegel.
The documents claim Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City would be involved in the competition which would replace the Champions League in three years time. There are 11 teams named as 'founders': the five English clubs as well as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Milan. Roma, Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Marseille and Internazionale are down as 'initial guests.'
Bayern have responded with a statement refuting the claims.
In its current issue no. 45 dated 3 November 2018, "Der Spiegel" magazine claims that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, as chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), had betrayed all medium-sized and smaller member clubs belonging to the ECA. "I absolutely and clearly reject this," Rummenigge declared. "The vote in favour of the reform agreed between UEFA and the ECA was unanimous.” Neither he nor FC Bayern Munich have ever acted to the detriment of the ECA, Rummenigge stated.
FC Bayern is also unaware of recent plans for a so-called Super League, also reported by "Der Spiegel", nor has FC Bayern taken part in negotiations relating to such plans. FC Bayern is also unaware of why it is listed in a document quoted in this context by "Der Spiegel".
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "FC Bayern Munich stands by its membership of the Bundesliga and, as long as I am chairman of the board of FC Bayern, also by the club competitions organised jointly by UEFA and the ECA".
However, the idea of a Super League is certainly not an original one. Clubs are persistently looking to maximise revenue streams and this is an obvious outlet towards that. It is a concept that fans are appalled at.
A European super league with no relegation for its 11 founding members would have no sporting integrity for a start, let alone the sheer greed and arrogance of the idea. That’s a private members’ club not a proper competition. No risk, no drama, no credibility. No thanks.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 3, 2018
Wholeheartedly support a European Super League if those involved are expelled from every other competition going. Stick them out of the way on PPV television, and let us get on without them. They'll be surprised at how well the ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD copes without them,
— Ian King (@twoht) November 2, 2018
Problem with a European Super League is that it will lead to a European Super-Super League & so on until all that's left is Real Madrid & Barcelona playing each other 40 times a season. And being the idiots we are, football fans will pay some broadcaster £60 a month to watch it.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) November 2, 2018
The 'European Super League' idea feels increasingly inevitable. This will fundamentally change the face of the one true global sport. It carries an unparalleled and exponential threat to thousands of football clubs: social institutions and pillars of communities.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) November 2, 2018
Can’t imagine one match going football fan that would ever in a million years want a European Super League.
If it ever happens we may as well all call it a day with football. This isn’t a computer game, it’s years of history. It’s the whole fabric of the sport.— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) November 2, 2018
