No changes to the Champions League format, UEFA says after talks with Super League promoters

UEFA said on Thursday it had held informal talks with A22 Sports Management, the company behind plans to revive a European Super League, but stressed no changes were being considered to the format of the elite club competition.

«We can confirm reports that (UEFA general secretary) Mr Theodore Theodoridis had met a few times with (A22 Sports Management co-founder) Mr Anas Laghrari in public institutions. No formal results emerged from these discussions,» UEFA told Reuters on Thursday.

“We categorically confirm that there are no plans to change the format of the UEFA Champions League.”

Media reports said earlier on Thursday that A22 had begun exploratory talks with UEFA officials to discuss a possible framework for a new competition.

According to the reports, A22 is promoting its ‘Unify League’ concept, with 96 clubs in four divisions with promotion and relegation, and hopes to secure UEFA recognition for the project.

A22 has presented the plan as a merit-based, fan-friendly alternative to current tournaments, promising free match streaming and better access for smaller clubs.

According to the reports, A22 CEO Bernd Reichart and co-founder Anas Laghrari had tried to frame the proposal as a complement to domestic competitions rather than a direct competitor to UEFA competitions.

However, football organizations and national leagues have consistently opposed the idea, warning that it could undermine Europe’s football pyramid.

The original Super League project collapsed in 2021 following a backlash from fans, governments and the wider football community.

Twelve major clubs initially signed up for the breakaway competition, which was supposed to guarantee them permanent membership, but nine quickly withdrew.

The concept was later revived by A22 after the European Court of Justice ruled in 2023 that UEFA’s restrictions on rival competitions could breach EU competition law.

Published on October 9, 2025