Sunday, July 19, 2026

UEFA Accused of Super League-Like Reforms

  • UEFA is proposing adding two wild card teams to its Champions League tournament.
  • The changes have provoked criticism from teams and fans.
UEFA-Champions-League
UEFA

After working to stop the European Super League, UEFA is now being accused of proposing a “backdoor attempt” at the same idea.

Premier League clubs and prominent fan group Premier League Network have pushed back against a proposal to change which teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

  • The key point of contention is over UEFA’s proposal to add two wild-card teams in 2024, which would be based on the teams’ historical success rather than their performance in the most recent season.
  • Wild cards would be awarded based on a calculation called the 10-year club coefficient.
  • The top teams based on the coefficient include many of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, some of which joined the initial European Super League, such as Real Madrid (1st), Barcelona (3rd), Chelsea (4th), Atlético (5th), and Juventus (6th).
  • UEFA is expected to settle on a new format at its executive meeting on May 10.

The European Super League proposed a major departure from the typical European system of basing promotion, relegation, and tournament qualification entirely on performance.

Super Revival

Meanwhile, UEFA is seeking to hold off a new attempt at a Super League spearheaded by Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus.

The three clubs filed a suit against UEFA and FIFA in October claiming that they violate European competition law by profiting from the competitions they regulate.

The Italian Football Federation has threatened Serie A clubs with expulsion if they join a breakaway league.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Europe’s Soccer Giants Keep Winning—and Are Cashing In

The Big Five leagues of European soccer are again led by financial giants.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; An advertisement for the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins on the Cines Callao facade.

NFL Unveils Record International Slate, With Games in Madrid, Paris

The league pushes further on its global ambitions.
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver attends the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena.

Silver: NBA Europe Won’t Be ‘Viable’ Enterprise for a While

He also addressed EuroLeague’s legal warning, saying a clash is not “inevitable.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Nate Burleson on Russell Wilson at CBS, Travis Kelce’s Media Future, and Seahawks $9.6B Sale

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

WNBA Union Blasts Chicago Sky For Yet Another Facility Delay

The facility has been delayed multiple times since being announced in 2024.
July 16, 2026

Mark Cuban Gearing Up for Lawsuit Over New Mavs Arena

Cuban seeks to prove Patrick Dumont unlawfully cut him out of opportunities.
Mar 8, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Gary Trent Jr. (5) drives for the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jevon Carter (2) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.
July 16, 2026

NBA Investigating Gary Trent Jr.’s New Bucks Contract

Trent agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal on July 11.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Jerry Colangelo sits courtside as the GCU Lopes play the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Mortgage Matchup Center on Dec. 6, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
First at FOS
July 15, 2026

Las Vegas Jacks Have Been in the Works for Over a Year

The group paid $2,200 in fees to apply for the two trademarks.
July 12, 2026

Seahawks Set NFL Record With $9.612B Sale to Khosla

Vinod Khosla’s wife will “serve as the controlling owner.”
Jun 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing William Carrier (28) and defenseman K'andre Miller (19) walk out with the Stanley Cup trophy during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally at Raleigh.
July 10, 2026

Dundon Faces Backlash for Engraving Kids’ Names on Stanley Cup

All five names of the owner’s children are on the Stanley Cup.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
July 9, 2026

Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process

One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.