ESL Is Officially Dead

Remember the big hullabaloo over the European Super League back in 2021? 

[Read my posts "The War Against the Everyman Sport" published April 19 and the subsequent post "The English Retreat" on April 21]. 

Actually, the idea of a super league competition in Europe has been floated around in one guise or another since 1968. However, in April 2021 a new European Super League (“ESL”) was announced but almost immediately collapsed amidst widespread condemnation from rival clubs, domestic leagues, and European politicians. 

FYI, this big plan was initially announced on April 18 with the proposals suggesting that it would be made up of 20 football teams. Fifteen of the clubs involved would be considered permanent members of the league, with five other sides having to qualify. 

In the end, only 2 hold-outs, Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol remain; they being the clubs still backing the project that briefly threatened to rival UEFA's Champions League. 

But the former confirmed on February 07, 2026 that they have formally withdrawn from the European Super League. And the latter too withdrew after striking an agreement with UEFA, as announced on Wednesday. 

The inane idea behind the breakaway plan by Europe's elite football clubs is now officially dead. A victory for the everyman sport! 

Yesterday, Liverpool secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a resounding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.

Milos Kerkez whipped a cross from the left and an onrushing Curtis Jones guided into the goalmouth in the 42nd minute.

Then, Dominik Szoboszlai thundered a shot into the net 14 minutes later following Mohamed Salah’s clever pass to the Hungarian. 

And Salah sealed the game in the 68th minute from the penalty spot, sending the spot kick he won himself into the top corner.