How Soccer Elite Eyes Breakaway Without Breaking Away
Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona and Luka Modric of Real Madrid battle for possession during a match at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid on April 10.
Photographer: Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesA plan by some of Europe’s biggest soccer clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid to form their own “Super League” has drawn ire even from U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Italian Premier Enrico Letta. To comprehend the backlash, it’s necessary to understand the confusing structure of soccer competitions in Europe as well as exactly what is being proposed: A seismic shift in the sport’s culture as much as its organization and finances.
Sort of. It would have huge ramifications, even though the move directly affects just one element of the European soccer landscape. There are three major avenues for the professional sport: