Axios
The Union of European Football Associations is considering banning participants of the newly-formed Super League from playing in international competitions like the 2021 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup, per the AP.The big picture: The Super League, comprised of 12 of the richest clubs in Europe — with three more set to join them — is about maximizing earnings. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Yes, but: If UEFA's threat is realized, the Super League's players and teams will have to weigh the pros (money) and cons (inability to play for their country) of moving forward. The founding clubs: AC Milan, Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Tottenham.Between the lines: The Super League is aiming to be a sort of pseudo, supercharged Champions League, with entry based on membership rather than annual performance.Bayern Munich earned $108 million for their 2019-20 Champions League victory.Every team in the Super League, win, lose or draw, will be given an upfront payment of ~$400 million by JP Morgan, the league's underwriter.What they're saying: UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin on Sunday excoriated the league's founding members."I cannot stress more strongly at the moment that UEFA and the football world stand together alongside this disgraceful, self-serving project from a select few clubs in Europe fueled by greed above all else. This idea is a spit in the face of all football lovers and our society as well."The backdrop: This league has been simmering for a long time, and the major governing bodies have never wavered from their party line.FIFA and UEFA in January put out a joint statement, saying, "Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a consequence not be allowed to participate in any competition organized by FIFA or their respective confederation."More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
