Secret document reveals shocking truth about FIFA and Super League

A newly released document shows that FIFA participated in substantial talks about the European Super League initiative, and a plan called "FIFA Super League" that offered the world's top football authority extensive advantages was even discussed.

FIFA was once suggested to be a part of the Super League

According to an exclusive leak from The Guardian, a term sheet dated October 2020 shows that FIFA and the architects of the European Super League conducted significant discussions before the project shook European football in April 2021.

Notably, the document mentions the possibility of the new league being placed under FIFA's brand. One of the options discussed was to rename it "FIFA Super League".

The term sheet is said to outline a cooperation relationship lasting at least 12 years between FIFA and the Super League, also proposing the establishment of a joint venture to operate the league's commercial activities. Although this is a non-binding document, the fact that a term sheet was drafted shows that the exchanges between the parties had gone far beyond a preliminary idea.

FIFA could also be granted preferential shares and special powers, including the ability to participate in decisions on format, match schedule, solidarity payments, and the selection of the Super League's CEO.

A plan that could reshape world football

According to the published document, the European Super League was planned to include 15 permanent members and 5 teams qualifying through existing competitions. A women's football version featuring similar clubs was also part of the plan.

Not only club football, but the international match calendar could also be heavily impacted. The proposal once considered reducing national team windows to two periods of about two weeks each year.

Additionally, an expanded Club World Cup version called the "global club tournament" was planned to be held annually for about three weeks and directly linked to the Super League. The proposed format at that time was knockout rounds instead of a group stage system.

Controversially, it is believed that FIFA's member associations around the world did not participate in the initial planning process.

Contrary to Infantino's public position

These new revelations are particularly striking when compared with the stance later publicly expressed by FIFA and President Gianni Infantino.

In January 2021, FIFA and six continental confederations declared that a closed Super League would not be recognized, emphasizing that places in competitions must be earned through on-field performance.

When the European Super League was officially announced in April 2021 and immediately faced a fierce backlash, Infantino continued to show a tough attitude. At the UEFA Congress in Montreux, the FIFA President stated that the organization strongly opposed the formation of a breakaway league outside the current football system.

Therefore, the October 2020 term sheet raises new questions about the extent of FIFA's involvement in the Super League's development before the project was made public.

However, The Guardian also emphasizes that it is unclear whether FIFA and Infantino took the plan beyond the term sheet stage. Therefore, the document does not prove that FIFA reached a final agreement with the founding clubs of the European Super League.

Nevertheless, the new information emerges amid growing pressure on Infantino over the management of FIFA further makes the European Super League story once again the center of world football.