German Reichert, CEO of a company promoting the European Super League
German businessman Bernd Reichert has been appointed CEO of a company that promotes the controversial and breakaway European Super League.
Reichart, 48, the former head of Germany's RTL media group, has been appointed CEO of A22 Sports Management, the European sports development company announced today.
"His initial focus will be on initiating a long and effective dialogue with a comprehensive range of football stakeholders, including clubs, players, coaches, fans, media and decision makers," it said in a statement.
"The aim is to facilitate the development of a sustainable sporting model for European club competitions that reflects the common and long-term interests of fans and the wider football community."
Twelve elite European clubs launched the Super League in April 2021, but they faced widespread criticism from their country's governments, leagues, national federations and fans, and were forced to reverse their move after a few days.
However, three clubs, Italian Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are still seeking to float it again, amid a dispute over the alleged abuse of an influential position by the European Football Association (Wifa), which will be settled in early 2023 by the European Court of Justice.
Strong English clubs withdrew in exchange for fines.
To frustrate the Super League, UEFA embarked on a massive reform process for the Champions League starting in 2024, with 36 clubs instead of 32, and a mini-championship of 8 stages instead of the traditional group stage.
"The current situation in European football includes a number of challenges that will not be solved alone," said Reichart, a specialist in media and sports rights.
"The presidents of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have finally made clear their views on the issues facing the sport. I believe they are asking the right questions and I am personally keen to listen to many diverse opinions so that the European football community can jointly find the right answers."
"The game we all love will benefit from honest and open dialogue, without restrictions, about a brighter future through serious reforms," he added.
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