Though its formation had been rumored to be in the works for years, Sunday’s announcement that European soccer’s top clubs would break away from the continent’s established competitive structure to start the Super League nonetheless sent shock waves throughout the sport. The move by the clubs would severely damage the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s long-established top club competition and one of the world’s most followed sporting events.
On Sunday, 12 wealthy and prominent teams from leagues in England, Italy and Spain announced they would be forming the Super League, a new annual competition to determine Europe’s top club team and a potentially existential threat to the Champions League.