Real Madrid News
Super League proposes new format after secret talks with Real Madrid, Barcelona, UEFA – All the details
In a major revelation, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Super League has delivered its final proposal to UEFA for a restructured Champions League after seven negotiation meetings with European football’s governing body.
The new competition would retain the ‘Champions League’ name and would take off in 2027 if given the OK.
Secret talks with UEFA
As per the report, UEFA, A22 (the company representing the Super League), and officials from Real Madrid and Barcelona have engaged in secret talks for the past eight months. The aim has been to reach an agreement that avoids the launch of a breakaway competition.
The Super League has now put forward a peace proposal focusing on two key aspects: a global free-to-air broadcast platform and a new format closely resembling the current Champions League.
At this point, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the only clubs still backing the Super League project, although recent reports had suggested that the Catalans were considering backing out.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been the driving force behind the project from the outset, maintaining that European football requires structural reform.
New format proposal
In the new format proposed, the competition would keep 36 teams but divide them into two groups before the knockout rounds. Qualification would still come through domestic leagues, but once selected, the clubs would be assigned by UEFA co-efficient ranking.
The top 18 sides would play their eight group matches exclusively against each other, while those ranked 19 to 36 would play amongst themselves. The purpose is to ensure stronger early fixtures at the top level while giving lower-ranked sides balanced opportunities.
At the end of this stage, the top eight in the first group would advance directly to the round of 16. Sixteen more teams from both groups would go into play-offs, with match-ups set according to standings.
Broadcasting through UNIFY
The tournament would still be called the Champions League but be shown on UNIFY. The service would feature a free version supported by targeted adverts and a paid premium version without commercials.
The proposal has been seen positively, with suggestions it could widen access for fans and bring in higher revenues than the current system.
The proposed format would come into force in 2027, coinciding with the next commercial cycle for Champions League broadcasting rights.
Relations between UEFA and the Super League have improved compared with the hostility seen in 2021. The recent meetings show this change in approach, although no agreement has yet been finalised. The final decision now rests with UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
