Super League Announces New Structure: 64 Clubs Divided into 3 Divisions

The proposed structure of the Super League by A22, as outlined by CEO Bernd Reichart, represents a significant shift in European club football. Slated for potential activation by mid-2025, this ambitious plan seeks to reorganize top-tier football across the continent into three distinct leagues, each with its own set of clubs and competitive structure.

The Star League, positioned as the premier division, will host sixteen elite clubs, signifying the pinnacle of European football. The Gold League, also comprising sixteen teams, serves as the secondary tier. The Blue League, the broadest of the three, will include 32 teams, offering a wider pool of clubs the opportunity to participate in top-level European competition.

The competition format, as explained by Reichart, involves clubs being grouped into pools of eight, with each team playing home and away matches against every other team in its pool. This arrangement would lead to a total of fourteen group matches per team, spread from September to April. Reichart emphasized that this scheduling would not overly burden the clubs, suggesting a careful consideration of the existing football calendar.

In terms of progression, the top four clubs from both the Star and Gold Leagues will advance to the quarterfinals, while the Blue League will see two clubs from each pool moving into the knockout stage. The knockout phase will adopt the familiar Champions League model, featuring two-legged ties leading up to a neutral venue final.

A critical aspect of Reichart's presentation was addressing one of the major criticisms of the initial Super League concept – its closed nature. In this new format, there is room for movement between divisions. Finalists from the Gold League will earn promotion to the Star League, and similarly, top teams from the Blue League can ascend to the Gold League. This promotion and relegation system aims to maintain competitive integrity and offers a pathway for clubs to rise based on performance.

The most dynamic aspect of this new structure is the Blue League, where significant annual turnover is planned. Each year, twenty new clubs will enter the league based on their performance in national competitions, ensuring a fresh and diverse lineup. This approach not only keeps the league dynamic but also respects the traditional domestic football structures, as national league performance remains a key criterion for participation.

Reichart's vision for the Super League under A22's guidance is a bold reimagining of European club football. It seeks to balance the appeal of high-level, pan-European competition with the traditions and structures of domestic football. The plan's success will depend on various factors, including the reception from clubs, fans, national associations, and European football's governing bodies. The proposed changes, if implemented, could herald a new era in the sport, reshaping the landscape of club football in Europe.