A separate league for the financially strongest clubs in Europe: In April 2021, several clubs are daring to try such a Super League. The project fails – also because of its exclusivity. The makers now want to say goodbye to it, but there is still clear rejection from the Bundesliga.
Even after renewed advertising by the Super League makers, the heads of the top German clubs categorically reject the competition project for the Champions League. “The attempt at a Super League failed a year and a half ago,” said Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn of the “Bild” newspaper. “Since then, we have always clearly communicated our position.”
Hans-Joachim Watzke also agreed with his Bundesliga rivals: “The Champions League is an absolutely outstanding format, especially from 2024. I also feel that I am in very good hands with UEFA, as they also keep an eye on the smaller clubs,” said the managing director of Borussia Dortmund and chairman of the supervisory board of the German Football League.
The Champions League of the European Football Union UEFA will be played from the 2024/25 season with 36 instead of 32 participants and significantly more games. The makers of the controversial and already failed Super League had previously emphasized the hope that German clubs would participate in their renewed attempt. “Of course I would also like to convey to the German clubs what has changed in the approach,” said Bernd Reichart, the new head of A22 Sports Management, which supports the Super League. “I’m looking forward to talks in every European territory, including Germany of course. I’m about to deposit the openness of the competition.”
The Super League project with Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Juventus Turin at the top failed in its original form in April 2021. The European football union UEFA, which organizes the Champions League, which is currently the most important international club competition, had put up massive resistance. Of the twelve top clubs that initially sought a spin-off, nine withdrew within a few hours. German clubs were not among the founding members.
For the new attempt, the makers are now, among other things, refraining from the original plan of a largely closed league with permanent membership. Nevertheless, Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of RB Leipzig, also underpinned his negative position: “We had already made clear statements in April 2021, when there were last such efforts, and rejected the plans to found a Super League all around. Our attitude has changed nothing has changed since then.”
