Super League Suffers Yet Another Setback

The three soccer teams vying for a European Super League can’t catch a break.

The latest complication: Plans for Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid to play preseason exhibition games in the U.S. “are at risk of collapse,” according to ESPN. The outlet first reported in February that the three rebel teams wanted to plan a tournament.

The main motivation for playing is to maximize revenue following major pandemic losses, but the report suggests that it’s unlikely to happen now. 

• The tournament would have potentially included AC Milan as a fourth team.
• Las Vegas might have held a game between Real Madrid and Barca.

Now, the three teams will consider other options for playing U.S.-based friendlies in the upcoming season — which they’ve previously done on many occasions.

Troubled Past

In April 2021, 12 teams announced plans to create a European Super League. But after public outcry, most of the teams dropped the idea within 24 hours. 

Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid refuse to let it go, however — despite mounting hurdles.
In April, a Spanish court ruled that UEFA and FIFA could sanction them if they followed through on Super League plans. The decision overturned a previous ruling that could have protected the teams from some of the ire of their governing bodies.