European Premier League, a breakaway tournament, which would replace the Champions League effectively, could be doomed to failure since it would have to struggle to get crucial approval from the governing bodies UEFA, sources have told ESPN.
According to Sky News, a $6 billion (£4.6 billion) funding package had been placed for the competition, which in league format would feature 16 or 18 amongst the biggest clubs and is supported by Manchester United and Liverpool. The two European Premier League clubs failed to reform English football last week, when Project Big Picture was refused outright.
FIFA, which has already planned for an expanded summer Club World Cup and was scheduled to start in China next year until the world health crisis reformed the football calendar, is reportedly to be a driving force behind the European Premier League.
The competition would need approval from the European football’s governing body UEFA. However, sources have told ESPN that UEFA didn’t receive any information on any idea about European Premier League as of Tuesday. La Liga giants FC Barcelona, who is expected to be approached, told ESPN that they were not aware of those talks.
Sources also said that the national associations would need to grant European licenses, too. In addition, the impact upon domestic leagues would be a considerable barrier that they have to overcome.
A statement from UEFA said that the UEFA President had made it clear on a lot of occasions that UEFA opposes a Super League strongly. The principles of solidarity, promotion, relegation, and open leagues are not negotiable. It is what makes European football work and the Champions League become the best sports competition on the planet. UEFA and the clubs are committed to improve that strength so that they can create a super league of 10, 12, or 24 clubs, which would not become boring.