A22 Sports Management has taken a bold step in its vision to transform European club football by officially introducing the Unify League, the model that replaces the controversial Super League. The organization has submitted a proposal to UEFA and FIFA requesting the official recognition of these new competitions, supported by the historic ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in December 2023.

The proposal aims to ensure an inclusive and meritocratic qualification system, respecting the global calendar and the European sports model, according to UEFA standards. “The Unify League not only addresses the current challenges in football, but also places fans and players at the center of its priorities,” said Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22. Key issues addressed include the overloaded calendar, insufficient investment in women’s football, and the need for a more attractive competitive format.

FOUR DIVISIONS IN AN INNOVATIVE FORMAT

The main change in the Unify League is the creation of four hierarchical divisions, each with a unified competition system. In the Star League, the top tier, 16 teams will compete, divided into two groups of eight, playing 14 home-and-away matches. The top four teams from each group will advance to quarterfinals, also played over two legs. Finally, the semifinals and final will be held in a single country, with knockout matches at neutral venues.

This format aims to maintain high competitiveness at each level, replicating the system across all divisions. Additionally, the annual ranking of clubs will be directly linked to their performance in their respective national leagues, a feature that A22 believes promotes meritocracy and strengthens local competitions.

UNIFY: THE PLATFORM TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE EXPERIENCE

The Unify League also aims to transform the way fans experience football with an innovative streaming platform, also called Unify. This service will offer two viewing options: for free with ads or through affordable premium packages. The app will integrate all leagues in one place, enhancing the viewing experience with advanced features and eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions.

With this initiative, clubs will have a direct connection with their followers globally, fostering a closer and more participative community. “The Unify League marks the beginning of a new era for European football. It is an opportunity for all stakeholders, including UEFA and FIFA, to unite for the innovation and well-being of the sport,” concluded Reichart.