The crossroads at which European soccer finds itself requires a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, fairness and economic sustainability.

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Superleagues and competition models: the crossroads of European soccer

European soccer is at a crossroads. The idea of a European Super League, which emerged strongly in April 2021, sparked an intense debate about the structure of soccer, TV rights and the relationship between clubs, national leagues and UEFA. Although the project did not prosper at the time, the resulting discussions and controversies are still relevant today. This issue raises crucial questions about the distribution of power and revenues in the beautiful game.

The European Super League was announced with the backing of some of the continent's most powerful clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Juventus. The idea was to create a closed competition, in which Europe's most prestigious clubs would participate, thus ensuring constant and high revenues from television rights and sponsors. This model contrasted sharply with the current system, based on national leagues and open European competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League.

The response from UEFA and the national leagues was swift and forceful. UEFA, along with FIFA, threatened severe sanctions, including the exclusion of dissident clubs from all domestic and international competitions, and a ban on their players representing their national teams. The national leagues also joined in opposition, arguing that the Super League would undermine local competitions and break with the tradition and meritocracy that are fundamental to soccer.

Controversies and legal issues

The attempt to create the Superliga sparked several controversies and opened a debate on various legal aspects. First, the question of the legitimacy of a closed competition. Many critics argued that the Superliga violated the principles of fairness and open competition that are the basis of European soccer. On the other hand, supporters of the Super League argued that the current model disproportionately favors the richest and most powerful clubs, perpetuating an economic divide that makes competitions less and less competitive.

Television rights and revenue sharing

One of the most contentious points was the issue of television rights and revenue sharing. The Super League promised a more lucrative revenue sharing for the participating clubs, based on exclusive television and sponsorship deals. This model, however, threatened to strip the national leagues and UEFA of a significant portion of their revenues, which could have devastating consequences for smaller clubs and local competitions.

Revenue sharing in soccer has been a contentious issue for years. UEFA, through the Champions League and Europa League, redistributes part of the revenues to the participating clubs and their national leagues, although the amounts vary greatly. Larger clubs, with bigger audiences and more success in competitions, tend to receive a disproportionately larger share, perpetuating a cycle of wealth and sporting success.

The future of European soccer

Although the European Super League project was quickly rejected, the underlying questions about the structure and financing of European soccer remain unresolved. The big clubs continue to look for ways to increase their revenues and insure themselves against financial fluctuations. Meanwhile, UEFA and the national leagues must balance the need to maintain fair and open competition with the economic realities of the sport.

Reforms and alternatives

In response to Super League threats, UEFA has proposed reforms to its European competitions. Starting with the 2024-2025 season, the Champions League will adopt a new format with more matches and a “Swiss system” that promises more revenue for participating clubs. This change is seen as an attempt to appease the big clubs while maintaining the open and meritocratic structure of European soccer.

On the other hand, there has been talk of introducing salary and transfer limits to reduce the gap between rich and poor clubs, although these measures face significant resistance and legal complications in terms of labor and competition law.