Italian Football Champions Anti-Super League Stand: FIGC Implements Stricter Measures for Club Participation
In a bold move to shield its clubs from the looming Super League threat, Italian football is enacting stringent measures. Ahead of the EU Court of Justice’s pivotal ruling, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina had previously warned of severe consequences for clubs joining the controversial competition. Today, the FIGC took a decisive first step.
During the recent Federal Council meeting last week, the Italian federation endorsed a revamped licensing system slated to commence from the 2024/25 season. The approved criteria include a groundbreaking condition reported by Calcio e Finanza: all top-flight clubs must submit a “written commitment not to participate in competitions not organized by private associations not recognized by FIFA, UEFA, and FIGC” to the Lega Serie A.
Effectively an “anti-Super League clause,” this commitment is a prerequisite for Serie A clubs seeking approval for the upcoming season’s license. Clubs have until June 4, 2024, to submit this pivotal commitment to the federation, marking a pivotal moment in Italian football’s battle against the controversial Super League.
Serie A Clubs Required to Pledge Non-Participation in Super League
To safeguard the integrity of Italian football, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is set to enforce a compelling clause that demands Serie A clubs commit to abstaining from participation in the Super League. According to sources, failure to sign this crucial document will result in exclusion from Serie A in the upcoming season.
🚨🇮🇹 Italian Federation FIGC decided to approve clause to prohibit access to the Super League to Italian clubs.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 29, 2023
FIGC will not allow to join any competition other than Uefa, Fifa and FIGC ones.
⛔️ If any club joins Super League, it will be excluded from Serie A 2024/2025. pic.twitter.com/FtUcY8saJK
The recently introduced rule outlines a stringent requirement: clubs must submit their application for admission to the 2024/2025 Serie A campaign by the non-negotiable deadline of June 4, 2024. This submission, facilitated through certified email, is mandated to include a formal request for the National License and a binding commitment not to engage in competitions organized by private associations lacking recognition from FIFA, UEFA, and the FIGC.
The newly-implemented rule states the following:
“The clubs must, by the peremptory deadline of 4 June 2024, comply with the following requirement: Deposit the application for admission to the 2024/2025 Serie A campaign through a certified email, containing the request to grant the National License and the commitment not to participate in competitions organized by private associations not recognized by FIFA, UEFA and the FIGC.”
Will Napoli Join Super League?
Napoli, under the ownership of President Aurelio De Laurentiis, has expressed interest, stating a willingness to discuss Napoli’s potential involvement in Super League.
Juventus Maintains Silence Amidst Italian Football’s A22 Revolution
In the unfolding drama of the A22 revolution in Italian football, Juventus, once a key player in the Super League’s inception with Agnelli, has chosen a path of silence. While Napoli, under the ownership of President Aurelio De Laurentiis, has expressed interest in the announced revolution, stating a willingness to discuss Napoli’s potential involvement, the rest of Italy’s clubs have taken varied positions.
Notably, Inter has openly spoken out against the A22 initiative, emphasizing a stance contrary to the proposed revolution. In contrast, Juventus, which underwent a transformation from being one of the Super League’s founding members to announcing its withdrawal with the new board, has refrained from making any public comments, leaving football enthusiasts curious about the club’s strategy amidst this evolving landscape.
The Rise and Fall of the ESL: Inter Milan Among Clubs Retreating Amidst Backlash
The seismic controversy of the European Super League (ESL) erupted in April 2021 with a bombshell announcement from twelve elite European clubs, including Inter Milan. However, within the next 48 hours, the Nerazzurri and eight others reversed course in the face of intense political and public opposition.
As the dust settled, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona emerged as the defiant trio, triggering a cascade of legal skirmishes with UEFA. In a noteworthy development, supporters of the Super League claimed a significant victory recently. The European Court of Justice asserted that UEFA and FIFA had overstepped their authority in attempting to ban the contentious competition.
Despite this legal triumph, a multitude of clubs and federations across Europe have rallied in support of UEFA, vehemently rejecting the concept of the Super League and ensuring that the echoes of this footballing saga continue to resonate.
