FIFA: "A closed European Super League would not be recognised by either FIFA or UEFA"

"In light of recent media speculation about the creation of a closed European 'Super League' by some European clubs, FIFA and the six confederations (AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA) once again would like to reiterate and strongly emphasise that such a competition would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation," said the presidents of the International Federation and its six confederations in a joint statement published on 21/01/2021.

This follows the publication of several articles mentioning the willingness of several leaders of major European clubs (FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF, Manchester United FC, Liverpool FC and Juventus FC in particular) to set up a closed league in the medium term (see below). This new competition would inevitably compete with those already organised by UEFA (mainly the Champions League) and FIFA (the Club World Cup, the first edition of the new format with 24 participants including 8 European clubs will take place in 2022), or even national championships.

"Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a…