Celtic are watching closely after the concept of a European Super League burst back into the footballing headlines again on Thursday.
It’s been previously reported that Celtic are one of the many clubs now being targeted for a revamped version of the ESL after a disastrous closed-shop format was unveiled in 2021 that didn’t include teams such as the Bhoys.
The European Court of Justice has stated that UEFA’s rules relating to the establishment of a new competition were “unlawful” and were not “transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate” after a small band of clubs proposed a widely criticised breakaway European format two years ago. [The Guardian]
However, crucially, it was also stated in the judgment that their decision “does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved” in the future.
Regardless, there’s been a big PR push today by the agency hired by the European Super League, A22 Sports, with new details revealed on a revised format and free-to-air broadcasting initiatives.
The latest European Super League proposal
A22 say that their new vision for a future European Super League takes into account participation based on sporting merit, will have no permanent members and that participating clubs would continue to take part in their domestic leagues.
They’ve unveiled a 64-team format across three divisions with promotion and relegation via playoffs, including promotion to the third tier based on domestic league performance. Every club participating would be guaranteed 14 matches in the tournament.
A22 say they have drawn up these proposals after extensive consultation with a “wide range of football stakeholders” and are looking to have more dialogue with clubs moving forward.
It’s essentially being pitched as a club-run alternative to the UEFA Champions League, although some cynics will point out it could lead to an erosion of the domestic game over time.
What Celtic are saying about European Super League
The Bhoys released an official statement on Thursday afternoon, saying: “Celtic Football Club has noted today’s judgement delivered by the European Court of Justice.
“The resolution regarding the framework for prior authorization of other competitions refers to outdated UEFA statutes that were already amended in June 2022.
“We must be clear that this does not in any way endorse or approve the so-called ‘Super League’ project.
“Celtic plays an important, leading role within the European Club Association framework and as a club, we are fully committed to working through the ECA, alongside our fellow European clubs to uphold the values that define European football.
“We can only achieve our objectives through the strong partnership ECA enjoys with UEFA.
“The wider European football community is not supportive of the ESL, and Celtic, like many other clubs, will continue to promote the interests and protection of football’s broader family through the ECA and UEFA.”
Back in 2021, when the closed shop of the initial ESL proposals were mooted, it was reported that Celtic and Peter Lawwell took a dim view of the potential breakaway.
In fact, earlier this year the CEO of the European Club Association Charlie Marshall stated that Lawwell was pivotal in forming opposition to the initial proposals in his role with the ECA.
Lawwell’s ties with that organisation have only been strengthened in the time since 2021 and Lawwell now serves as a Vice Chair and is a board member of the ECA’s joint venture with UEFA that was put in place to guard against an ESL forming.
Celtic are hitched to UEFA future
It’s unlikely then that Celtic would ever seek to be part of a breakaway tournament that was not sanctioned by UEFA themselves.
The Champions League is undergoing its own revamp from next season and eight group games will be guaranteed.
It’s easy to surmise this could be increased over time if the new format proves to be a hit with clubs, players and supporters, towards the kind of 14-game guarantee that A22 are pushing.
Football is changing and continental-wide tournaments are only going to become more and more relevant to Celtic. The money available to Scottish football is a small fraction of what could be earned elsewhere, giving the Bhoys access to a better standard of competition and players.
However, unless UEFA makes a push towards their own expanded set of fixtures within the Champions League, expect the eight European group games a season to be the norm for Celtic over the next few years at least.
In other news, Celtic beaten by Chelsea in Wednesday night Premier League International Cup clash.
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