UEFA calls fresh Super League speculation 'entirely baseless'

UEFA has dismissed reports claiming it is working on a three-division Super League plan as "entirely baseless".

Spanish outlet El Pais claims European football's governing body is developing a new format to start in 2027, in conjunction with the European Club Association.

The newspaper said the plans included three divisions – with only two teams to be relegated from the top division each season – and for some matches to be played at weekends. Both measures, if adopted, could clearly have a hugely detrimental impact on domestic leagues.

UEFA released a statement in response to the report which read: "UEFA is not working on any such new project.

"UEFA’s opposition towards any kind of a so-called Super League is well documented and rumours suggesting anything different are entirely baseless."

UEFA and its president Aleksander Ceferin were staunch opponents of 2021 plans by some of Europe’s top clubs – including the Premier League 'Big Six’ – to form a Super League.

The plan quickly collapsed amid fan protests and pledges from former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "drop a legislative bomb" on the clubs involved.

A judgement is still awaited from the European Court of Justice over whether UEFA abused a dominant position under EU competition law by first attempting to block the Super League’s formation and then trying to sanction those involved.

UEFA added in its statement regarding El Pais’ report: "We are looking forward to the introduction of the new club competition format as of 2024, which retains the principle that domestic performance is the key to qualification and will allow fans to see even more top European matches, a better competitive balance, and an open competition where every game counts."

The new format starting