The motivation behind this so-called Super League is not sporting merit or nurturing the world’s game – it is motivated by cynical greed.
The Campaign
In April 2021, some of football’s biggest clubs attempted to create an invitation-only European Super League (ESL), essentially locking new entrants out of the elite of European competition. The move was opposed by supporters’ groups across the continent, who felt the primary motivation was money and represented a massive threat to lower league finances, domestic cup competitions, and weekend football.
The Football Supporters Association (FSA) led the charge against the creation of the ESL, working closely with fellow fans across the continent via Football Supporters Europe (FSE), to whom the FSA is affiliated. Thanks to that work, supporters’ groups spoke with one voice to make clear their opposition to the ESL.
The Change
Such was the fan backlash against the ESL that the entire concept collapsed rapidly.
The chief organiser, Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, lost his positions at the European Club Association and UEFA. Owners and CEOs from the ‘big six’ clubs in England came under huge pressure from fans, eventually distancing themselves from the proposals. Even Prince William got involved, saying he shared ‘the concerns of fans’.
The Government released a statement announcing the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance and within 48 hours the FSA met with the Prime Minister. The FSA suggested the format of the Fan-Led Review panel’s evidence gathering sessions, sat on the panel, and had a significant influence on its recommendations. Those recommendations included a focus on financial sustainability, reigning in the powers of out-of-control elite club owners, and a reform of the Football Association (FA).
The review also suggested innovative ways to redirect money towards the grassroots, non-league and women’s football. The proposals would embed supporter engagement within all clubs and give fans a golden share on important ‘heritage’ issues, such as football stadium locality, club badges, location, colours and competition entry – giving an effective veto on future European Super Leagues.
The Future
The Government says it remains committed to the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance with Boris Johnson reiterating his support at a recent PMQs. But the FSA wants related legislation in the upcoming Queen’s Speech and it seems highly likely that football will have a new independent regulator established soon, something supporters’ groups have lobbied in favour of for many decades.
If the Review’s full recommendations are implemented, it would be a huge step forward and save supporters’ groups across the country heartache by avoiding catastrophic club collapses as seen at Bury, Macclesfield and, potentially, Derby County.
Who else was involved?
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and more than 130 of our affiliates and associates who gave evidence to the Fan-led Review of Football Governance: https://thefsa.org.uk/about/affiliates-and-associates/
