In the world of soccer, 12 of the biggest clubs in Europe are planning to create their own league separate from Domestic and European Leagues. Fans are not happy.

The clubs attempting to form this league are F.C. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus, A.C. Milan, and Inter Milan. This new league would mean that these clubs would not compete in the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) competitions like the Champions League, which was created for the best teams of each season in every European league to compete to be the best club in Europe. Many fans are distraught by the new proposal. 

“I do not support the new super league concept,” said Andy Niser ‘21. “It will eliminate the magic that exists in the current European competitions. I’m concerned about the proposal’s goal to create a structure in European football that is dominated by a self-selected group of wealthy clubs.” 

This anger is felt widely amongst most fans, especially because no one knew this was going to happen.

 “It’s all kind of crazy,” said Qudus Shittu ‘21. “Sort of came out of nowhere. There were rumors of it happening two years ago but I never thought it was actually possible. It’s messed up that these ‘top’ teams are essentially paying their way to play the biggest games, which result in the most money. It’ll definitely ruin the competitiveness of games and other leagues because there is no real accomplishment to fight for anymore. It all means nothing.”

It is not just the majority of fans that are upset, UEFA and FIFA, (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), have threatened to ban every club that joins this Super League from European and International competitions. This means that not only can these teams not play in the Champions League, Europa League, and more, but the players in the league also cannot play for their country in the Euros or the World Cup. 

“I cannot stress more strongly at this moment: UEFA and the footballing world stand united against the disgraceful, self-serving proposal we have seen in the last 24 hours from a select few clubs in Europe that are fuelled purely by greed,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in a statement released April 19. “We urge everyone – from the millions of football lovers around the world, the world’s media gathered on this call today, politicians and football’s governing bodies – to stand tall with us, as we do everything in our power to ensure this never ends up in fruition.” 

Even coaches whose teams would be in the Super League next year have spoken up. 

“I like the fact West Ham might be in the Champions League next year,” said Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp. “I don’t want them to, because I want us to be, but I like that they have the chance to be.” 

Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola, had a similar opinion.

“Sport is not a sport when the relationship between effort and success does not exist,” said Guardiola. “It is not a sport if you can’t lose. It’s not fair if a team fights to get to the top and success is only guaranteed for some clubs.”

These similar opinions have already cost one of the coaches their jobs. According to Sky Sports, the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, José Mourinho, was reportedly released from the club after he refused to hold practice for the team on Monday, April 19, after hearing of his club joining the Super League the night before. He has yet to comment on it. 

So if the mass majority is strongly against this league, why is it happening?

Well, it is actually pretty simple. These clubs believe that it is more beneficial for the sport if the best play the best every week so the competition is always at the highest level. Even the fans who are protesting this league cannot deny how interesting this league seems. 

“You have the best players in the world on the best teams playing against the best players in the world on the best teams, which brings an insane revenue and potential competitiveness similar to that of the champions league but on a weekly basis,” said Shittu. “Having that type of competition can potentially eliminate ‘boring’ games from soccer.”

However, the majority believe soccer is not always about the best versus the best. 

“In 2016 Leicester City, who finished 14th the year before in the Premier League, the highest English soccer league, won the Premier League,”said Alan Zavala ‘21. “That is a prime example of the beauty of the game and why this Super League will never be as entertaining because it will not have the anxiety and anticipation to bite your nails about.” 

Many fans love to see the Davids go up against the Goliaths. 

“I don’t want the super league because it ruins football underdogs, ” said Callan Benjamin ‘21. “We will never get to see another Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United upset. It’s going to ruin football and the world cup if it goes through.”

Others believe the league  is motivated by money.

“I think it is just executives being somewhat greedy because of revenue generated,” said David Opoku-Ware ‘21. “It seems like they are trying to replace the champions league which I do not like because it is the most competitive soccer league out there.”

As of now, The Super League is hoping to start some time in August if they do not fold due the amount of threats/protests they are receiving. However, as of April 20, all six of the Premier League Teams, Manchester City, Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham are reportedly planning on leaving the league. This does not mean the Super League will not happen as of now, it will just make it harder for this to go on.