European Soccer Group Proposes Radical Breakaway League
- Opposed by national leagues, supporter groups and politicians
- Super League includes six clubs from English Premier League
Eric Bailly of Manchester United celebrates after a match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Jan. 1.
Photographer: Carl Recine/Pool/Getty Images
A group of the world’s richest soccer clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, announced plans for a European breakaway league starting in August, a project that could herald the sport’s biggest shakeup in decades and make elite teams even wealthier.
The marquee names -- six from England, three from Italy and three from Spain have signed up so far -- would play each other midweek as an alternative to the prestigious UEFA Champions League, according to a statement early Monday. In addition to what will be 15 permanent teams, another five will qualify each year for the so-called Super League.