European Super League faces collapse with major backer willing to leave

The European Super League caused outrage among fans who protested against its launch in October 2021 | Photo Credit: Rob Pinney/Getty Images

FOOTBALL European Super League faces collapse with major backer willing to leave

Shafic Kiyaga 22:11 - 06.06.2023

Since the collapse of the ESL's initial proposal in October 2021, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona had remained committed to the core principles of the plan.

The future of the loathed European Super League (ESL) project, hangs by a thread, with one of its initical backers Juventus announcing their intention to withdraw from the competition.

The move comes after months of uncertainty and legal battles surrounding the ESL, with Juventus joining Real Madrid and Barcelona in their departure from the initial concept.

Since the collapse of the ESL's initial proposal in October 2021, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona had remained committed to the core principles of the plan.

This included a focus on clubs taking a leading role in organizing competitions rather than relying on UEFA, the European governing body.

However, Juventus has now broken ranks and initiated discussions with Real Madrid and Barcelona regarding their potential exit from the Super League project.

In a statement, Juventus acknowledged that further communications would follow in accordance with legal requirements and their assessment of the talks.

It is believed that Juventus was hoping for a favorable ruling from the European Courts of Justice on the matter of UEFA's monopoly over competition organization.

The club questioned whether UEFA had the right to exclude clubs that established rival competitions, seeking clarification on their legal position.

These developments come amidst a turbulent period for Juventus, starting with the initial docked 15-point penalty imposed by the Italian Football Association for financial rule breaches.

Although the punishment was later overturned, a subsequent hearing resulted in a 10-point deduction that Juventus accepted.

On a sporting front, the disappointment continued for Juventus as they finished seventh in the Serie A standings.

A last-minute goal scored by former player Paulo Dybala for Roma secured a Europa League place for Roma, relegating Juventus to the newly established Europa Conference League.

Without the 10-point deduction, Juventus would have qualified for the prestigious UEFA Champions League, displacing AC Milan.