Super League proposes new format after secret talks with Real Madrid, Barcelona, UEFA – All the details | OneFootball

In a major revelation, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Super League has delivered its final proposal to UEFA for a restructured Champions League after seven negotiation meetings with European football’s governing body.

The new competition would retain the ‘Champions League’ name and would take off in 2027 if given the OK.

Secret talks with UEFA

As per the report, UEFA, A22 (the company representing the Super League), and officials from Real Madrid and Barcelona have engaged in secret talks for the past eight months. The aim has been to reach an agreement that avoids the launch of a breakaway competition.

The Super League has now put forward a peace proposal focusing on two key aspects: a global free-to-air broadcast platform and a new format closely resembling the current Champions League.

At this point, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the only clubs still backing the Super League project, although recent reports had suggested that the Catalans were considering backing out.

Florentino Perez has been a vocal supporter of the Super League. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been the driving force behind the project from the outset, maintaining that European football requires structural reform.

New format proposal

In the new format proposed, the competition would keep 36 teams but divide them into two groups before the knockout rounds. Qualification would still come through domestic leagues, but once selected, the clubs would be assigned by UEFA co-efficient ranking.

The top 18 sides would play their eight group matches exclusively against each other, while those ranked 19 to 36 would play amongst themselves. The purpose is to ensure stronger early fixtures at the top level while giving lower-ranked sides balanced opportunities.

At the end of this stage, the top eight in the first group would advance directly to the round of 16. Sixteen more teams from both groups would go into play-offs, with match-ups set according to standings.

Broadcasting through UNIFY

The tournament would still be called the Champions League but be shown on UNIFY. The service would feature a free version supported by targeted adverts and a paid premium version without commercials.

The proposal has been seen positively, with suggestions it could widen access for fans and bring in higher revenues than the current system.

The proposed format would come into force in 2027, coinciding with the next commercial cycle for Champions League broadcasting rights.

Relations between UEFA and the Super League have improved compared with the hostility seen in 2021. The recent meetings show this change in approach, although no agreement has yet been finalised. The final decision now rests with UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.