By Andrew Warshaw
October 20 – Those backing the seemingly doomed European Super League have hired a new CEO in the clearest move yet that the much-maligned project will press ahead regardless of the forthcoming European Court of Justice ruling.
Bernd Reichart has been appointed to lead A22 Sports Management, the Madrid-based company that worked with the original 12 elite clubs from Spain, England and Italy to create a breakaway league in April last year.
Most of the 12 quickly pulled out the Super League in the face of a fierce backlash from a multitude of stakeholders but Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid have refused to back down despite the threat of being thrown out of the Champions League.
UEFA were taken to the European Court of Justice in July after the remaining rebel Super League clubs accused it of abusing its power to block rival events and penalise players and clubs.
The court’s advocate general is due to deliver his opinion on December 15, with the final verdict not likely until several weeks later, the outcome potentially affecting the entire future of European club competition.
Reichart’s role has been described by A22 as “to initiate an active and extended dialogue with a comprehensive group of football stakeholders including clubs, players, coaches, fans, media and policy makers.”
In interviews with various news agencies, Reichart, CEO of German commercial broadcaster RTL from 2019 through 2021, expanded on that.
“I am looking forward to talks in every European territory and obviously in Germany too,” Reichart said, adding that the Super League could potentially be up and running by 2024-25 – the same date as the launch as the revamped Champions league.
A new dossier outlining a revived competition is reported to have been distributed. Reichart revealed the project may not actually be called the Super League and, crucially, that it may not be a closed shop – one of the main arguments against its creation.
“There has been an important reassessment and the concept is spreading out about openness and taking the permanent membership off the table,” he was quoted as saying.
“I can say the three clubs (Barca, Juve and Real) have credibly reassessed and taken some learnings from the first approach. I believe there is no reason not to engage in an open dialogue but we shall see.”
In a statement supporting the three remaining rebel clubs, he added: “I believe they are asking the right questions and am personally keen to listen to many diverse voices so that the European football community can jointly find the right answers.”
UEFA are vehemently opposed to the very concept of a Super League in whatever format but Reichart continued: “My message would be an invitation for dialogue as well.
“We did send them a letter. I think, just like a year and a half ago, it will remain unanswered but let’s see if they understand that dialogue is necessary and that we are not against anybody, but in favour of a lot of things. We are open to pick up their phone call.”
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