When the plans for a European Super League were announced, there was a huge uproar.
The backlash from fans, football governing bodies and even the government caused the six premier league sides to withdraw their support.
The Super League idea is still being pushed by Real Madrid and Barcelona.
There will be a big update on Thursday.
A 50-page report will be published by the European Court of Justice on behalf of 69-year-old Greek Athanasios Rantos, the Advocate General of a case examining whether world football governing body Fifa and European counterpart Uefa abused their dominant position.
The Super League clubs were fined by Uefa. Following a legal process, action against the other three was stopped.
The report won't be binding, but it could have an effect on the final decision. The verdict will be delivered in the spring.
It will be claimed as a victory if Rantos leans heavily one way or the other. On both sides of the debate, his words will be scrutinized.
It could be the beginning of a change.
This is not an argument over the merits of a league.
The Spanish courts asked the ECJ a number of questions when the ESL proposals were first proposed.
There was a threat of sanctions against the clubs involved and the players contracted to them.
The A22 Sports Management Group is behind the plans. It thinks clubs should be able to talk to anyone they want about the idea of setting up a new competition.
It was argued by Uefa that the motives of the 12 clubs involved were self-interest and greed and that they were putting the health of the game at risk.
The original Super League plan didn't include promotion or removal.
Rugby union's Six Nations is an example of a closed competition that A22 points to.
A22 says it was "ambushed" by representatives of the European Clubs' Association at a meeting at Uefa.
The objectives of a Super League are to allow clubs to control their own destiny, have adequate corporate governance and enforce Financial Fair Play rules.
English clubs gave a commitment not to get involved in further discussions after the first plan collapsed, so it's not clear if they'd be allowed to join the ESL.
This is not the argument of A22 It is against the monopoly position of the governing bodies.
A22 is trying to blow up the European model.
The core point of a small number of clubs benefiting financially at the expense of the wider game is not going to be altered by any changes to the format of the ESL.
Public opinion is in their favor. Some countries gave evidence in favor of the ECJ. For the first time, some people spoke to the ECJ. The case of A22 has been questioned by Uefa.
It is confident in its position
There is a case listed in Luxembourg.
A three-page statement with major observations is expected to be released within an hour.
There will be no chance to address issues raised within the findings and neither side will be given advance warning of the findings. The deadline has passed and won't be reopened.
Thursday's report is important for those who are wondering if a European Super League is still possible.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
