Liverpool has no plans to play in the European Super League (ESL), despite the controversial competition’s recent revival.
When the Super League was first suggested in April 2021, the larger football community strongly opposed it after 12 teams, including Liverpool, agreed to join a separate European division.
The idea was to increase the amount of high-profile matches between Europe’s top teams without the possibility of relegation; however, all teams with the exception of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus swiftly reversed course after receiving intense public criticism.
The three remaining clubs, who claim UEFA has a monopoly on the continent’s domestic game, are still involved in a legal battle with Europe’s governing body, with a final ruling expected this spring.
Moreover, despite new plans being unveiled on Thursday, it is understood that Liverpool will not be a part of the revamped competition. Following a particularly bruising affair for club owners Fenway Sports Group, the club is eager to stand by their September statement.
“Our involvement in the proposed ESL plans has been discontinued,” reads the official statement. “We are absolutely committed to following that through and there should be no ambiguity to suggest otherwise. We are acting on the best legal advice and approach to appropriately end our involvement.”
FSG’s involvement with the Super League caused irreparable damage between supporters and the company’s ownership, with John W. Henry issuing a lengthy apology video and accepting full responsibility. The club was put up for sale by the American businessman 18 months later.
According to new Super League proposals, entry will be based on athletic performance and will include a multi-divisional format with between 60 and 80 clubs. The ESL is now intended to be an open competition, with qualification determined by a team’s performance in their domestic league, much like the Champions League.