European Super League: Major new tournament format announced involving 64 clubs and three leagues after court rules UEFA can't block breakaway competition

A fresh proposal for the men's European Super League (ESL) has been unveiled, presenting a revamped structure aimed at fostering a competitive and dynamic football landscape across Europe. The competition features a pan-European pyramid with three tiers: the Star League, the Gold League (both with 16 clubs each), and the Blue League (comprising 32 clubs). Participation is based on sporting merit, and there are no permanent members in the league.

There will be annual promotion and relegation between leagues. However, promotion to the third-tier Blue League is contingent on domestic league performance.

Clubs will engage in home and away matches organised in groups of eight, ensuring a minimum of 14 matches per year. At the season's end, a knockout stage will determine champions for each league and clubs to be promoted. The proposal assures no increase in match calendar days beyond existing competitions, and mid-week matches will not disrupt domestic league calendars. In the inaugural year, clubs will be selected based on transparent performance criteria.

The competition will also have a women's competition with two leagues of 16 clubs each.

Sports development company A22, which is working behind the scenes on the European Super League project put out a statement that read: "This vision is based on extensive consultation with a wide range of football stakeholders across Europe and built on our core principles including participation based on sporting merit (and) no permanent members.

"Participating clubs stay in their domestic leagues which remain the foundation of European football. Now that clubs can determine their own future at European level, we look forward to further engagement with a broad set of football stakeholders to achieve the objective of all great sporting competitions."

It is important to note that the ECJ's decision does not automatically guarantee the return of the European Super League. The future of the competition remains uncertain, and the actual implications of the ruling will likely unfold over time.