The Rise and Fall of the European Super League

Vlad Herescu
14 hours ago
6 min read

Exploring Fan Backlash and Its Future Impact**

In April 2021, the European Super League (ESL) set out to revolutionize European football, eyeing the lucrative future it promised. By grouping together the continent’s most storied clubs, the ESL aimed to generate a staggering annual revenue of approximately £4 billion, dwarfing what the Champions League was achieving at the time. (Ozanian, 2021)

Yet, in just a matter of days, a tidal wave of outrage from fans, players, and football authorities swept the league away almost as quickly as it appeared. In this post, we dive into the reasons behind the ESL’s dramatic collapse, consider what the future might hold, and examine the legal storm clouds that gathered in its wake.

The Ambitious Vision of the ESL

The ESL launched with 12 powerhouse clubs, including legends such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Its mission was to break free from UEFA’s grip and offer a lucrative, high-stakes alternative to the familiar Champions League.

The ESL dangled the promise of nonstop excitement, with top clubs clashing far more often. Instead of a handful of group-stage games, teams would battle in at least 22 headline matches each season. (European Super League: New proposals launched for open competition featuring up to 80 teams, 2023)

This format aimed to raise the bar for football quality and unlock a flood of revenue from broadcasters and sponsors. Founding clubs were guaranteed a permanent seat at the table, offering them a financial lifeline in unpredictable times.

Yet, this ambitious dream unravelled almost overnight, undone by the deep roots of fan loyalty and the enduring traditions of football culture. Historical moments like FC Porto's triumph over Bayern Munich in the 1987 European Cup final, or Nottingham Forest's improbable rise to back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, underscore football's enduring love for the underdog. (1987 European Cup final, 1987)

These unforgettable upsets, ingrained in football lore, highlight the magic and unpredictability that closed leagues threaten to erase. It was this profound sense of loss, where memories of unexpected victories stand as cherished upsets, that fueled the anger and resistance against the ESL.

Fan Backlash: The Heart of the Collapse

Fans, the beating heart of football, rose up in fierce resistance. The sport thrives on tradition, community, and passion, and the notion of an exclusive league for a privileged few struck at the very soul of the game they cherished.

Supporters rallied in protest, flooding social media and city streets with their outrage. Chelsea fans assembled outside Stamford Bridge, their chants echoing just hours after the ESL’s unveiling. The uproar revealed how disconnected club owners had become from their loyal followers.

To many, the ESL symbolised greed rather than love for the sport. Even rival fans from Manchester City and Arsenal found common ground in their opposition.

Polls conducted by Gallup in April 2021 showed over 90% of fans rejected the ESL, a tidal wave of disappointment that clubs could not ignore. This poll, based on a sampling of 5,000 football enthusiasts across Europe, underscored the widespread discontent. (Widespread opposition to football’s European Super League, 2021)

Under mounting pressure, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal were among the first to pull out. The rapid retreat proved that fan loyalty and passion could topple even football's richest giants.

Financial Implications: A Risky Gamble

The ESL promised its clubs a golden ticket to financial security, projecting an annual revenue increase of approximately £4 billion. However, this rosy financial forecast was countered by the potential losses clubs faced, estimated to exceed £300 million each if excluded from established tournaments like the Premier League and the Champions League. (Ozanian, 2021)

While the lure of bigger TV deals and sponsorships was strong, the furious backlash threatened to sink the league before it could even set sail.

UEFA and FIFA quickly warned of possible legal action against the participating clubs, threatening bans from domestic leagues and international competitions. The stakes were high; clubs faced the potential loss of participation in lucrative tournaments such as the Premier League and the Champions League.

Reports estimated that missing out on these leagues could amount to losses exceeding £300 million for some clubs. (Juventus defends ESL after announcing big loss, 2025)

The ESL’s biggest misstep was underestimating the fierce loyalty fans feel for their clubs. This blind spot exposed deep cracks in the league’s financial blueprint. The backlash not only threatened the ESL’s survival but also sent a clear message: clubs that ignore their supporters do so at their own peril.

The Future of the Super League: A Distant Dream?

The collapse of the ESL has left many wondering if a similar league might rise again. The idea is not dead, only sleeping. The hunger for a more lucrative, competitive format lingers, but any future attempt will have to learn from the ESL’s spectacular missteps.

A format that addresses fans' concerns is crucial. For example, introducing a promotion and relegation system could give clubs from lower leagues a chance to compete, fostering community involvement. One viable framework could include three promotion spots based on performance across domestic leagues—allowing underdog teams to earn their way into the league.

In return, clubs that underperform could face relegation, ensuring a dynamic, merit-based competition. Such changes could narrow gaps between elite teams and grassroots football, nurturing tradition.

Still, bringing the ESL back will be an uphill battle. Its name now conjures images of greed and exclusivity. Any new venture must shine a light on transparency and put fans at the centre to regain trust. Clubs will have to prove their dedication to football’s core values and invite supporters to help shape what comes next.

Legal Actions Against UEFA and FIFA: A Complex Landscape

In the wake of the ESL's collapse, some teams have hinted at legal action against UEFA and FIFA. The argument revolves around competition rights and clubs' freedoms to organise their own leagues.

Advocates believe that UEFA and FIFA have monopolised the sport, limiting clubs' opportunities to pursue new revenue streams. Recent antitrust rulings have added nuance to this debate, highlighting the complex landscape of sports governance. (Bodoni, 2023)

An important development is the Court of Justice of the European Union's pending Super League case, which could redefine the legal boundaries between clubs and governing bodies. (EU top court finds FIFA, UEFA abused dominant position in Super League case, 2023)

This case underscores the high stakes involved and the potential ripple effects throughout European football. The decision could influence whether clubs can break away and form independent competitions without facing punitive measures.

This raises challenging questions about the legality of UEFA's financial regulations and whether clubs can successfully challenge them in court. Some clubs might argue that their interests clash with governing bodies that restrict competition, which could be seen as anti-competitive.

However, it's crucial to distinguish claims of anticompetitive behaviour, often aligned with antitrust law violations, from critiques of governance and sporting integrity, which focus on preserving fair play and ethical standards.

The Impact on European Football: A New Era?

The downfall of the ESL sent shockwaves through European football, igniting debates about the sport’s future, the power of fans, and how clubs can survive in the long run.

In response, UEFA rolled out plans to reshape the Champions League, introducing the new Swiss model format. This model expands the group stage to 36 teams, compared to the previous 32, and shifts towards a league-table system.

Additionally, the revenue-sharing model has been adjusted, aiming for a more equitable distribution among clubs, with a higher percentage allocated to teams based on sporting merit, addressing the concerns that fans raised so loudly. (UEFA approves final format and access list for its club competitions as of the 2024/25 season, 2021)

The uproar has also reignited calls to give fans a real voice in football’s future. Clubs are waking up to the importance of their supporters and the need to include them in key decisions. This shift could spark a new era of collaboration, forging deeper bonds between clubs and the communities they represent.

Reflecting on Lessons Learned

The dramatic rise and fall of the European Super League stands as a cautionary tale for football organisations everywhere. It highlights the unstoppable force of fan sentiment, the tangled web of financial pressures, and the need for open, honest leadership.

Though the ESL’s grand ambitions collapsed, its legacy will shape European football for years to come. As clubs and football authorities chart a course through the aftermath of the ESL, they must hold fast to the values and traditions that make football beloved around the world.

The fate of the Super League is still up in the air, but the conversations it sparked will echo through the football community for a long time.

References

Ozanian, M. (April 19, 2021). European Super League Will Make Soccer’s Most Valuable Teams And Their Owners Richer. Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2021/04/19/super-league-will-make-soccers-most-valuable-teams-and-their-owners-richer/

(February 9, 2023). European Super League: New proposals launched for open competition featuring up to 80 teams. The Standard.https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/european-super-league-new-proposal-80-teams-open-competition-b1059031.html

(May 27, 1987). 1987 European Cup final. UEFA.com.https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0220-0e9b0009bd05-cb29a73da354-1000--porto-v-bayern-background/

(April 21, 2021). Widespread opposition to football’s European Super League. Ipsos.https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/widespread-opposition-footballs-european-super-league

(December 1, 2025). Juventus defends ESL after announcing big loss. beIN SPORTS.https://www.beinsports.com/en-au/football/serie-a/articles/juventus-defends-esl-after-announcing-big-loss

Bodoni, S. (December 21, 2023). European Super League Ruling Is A Big Win Against FIFA, UEFA. TIME.https://time.com/6549761/european-super-league-fifa-uefa-competition-law/

(December 21, 2023). EU top court finds FIFA, UEFA abused dominant position in Super League case. Euronews.https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/12/21/eu-top-court-finds-fifa-uefa-abused-dominant-position-in-super-league-case

(April 19, 2021). UEFA approves final format and access list for its club competitions as of the 2024/25 season. UEFA.com.https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0275-151c779310c3-b92bbf0d24f9-1000–uefa-approves-final-format-and-access-list-for-its-club-comp/