Celtic and Rangers given new European Super League nod as 'development opportunities' pitched in revamp

The clarion has again been blasted for Rangers and Celtic to join the European Super League as the company behind the controversial competition pitched "development opportunities" for smaller nations.

English Premier League sides Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, along with Italians Inter and AC Milan as well as La Liga side Atletico Madrid backed last season’s attempted breakaway from the Champions League, led by Spanish superpowers Barcelona and Real Madrid and endorsed by Serie A giants Juventus. All clubs faced a furious backlash and after a hasty climbdown the proposal was obliterated by football’s governing bodies with just Barca, Real and Juve holding on to hope of a revival.

That sent A22, a company formed to sponsor and assist with the creation of the Super League, back to the drawing board and they are looking to push through a new 80-team format for the competition going forward. The multi-divisional format would be based on sporting performance with no permanent members – in contrast to the original 12 club concept.

A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart has opened the door for clubs from smaller divisions to be included in the new structure, which could see Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers and Celtic drafted in. The Glasgow clubs were back in the Champions group stage this season but both failed to win any of their six games and tumbled out at the first hurdle.

Speaking to Italian outlet La Stampa, Reichart insisted there has been a positive response to the overhaul so far: "There will be category divisions within these 60-80 teams: the challenges between big teams with star players on the field will certainly increase.

"That's what the public is