A Spanish news report has revealed the intent of the founding body of the European Super League to categorize the participating clubs into 4 levels. This classification aims to determine the initial funding to be allocated for infrastructure development and combating the effects of the COVID-19 virus. According to the newspaper Mundo Deportivo, only 3 clubs will receive an amount of €350 million for participating in the tournament: Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United.
The report indicates that the classification is based on specific criteria that divide the clubs into 4 levels, measured by their economic capabilities and brand value. The statement released by Real Madrid initially, which was also acknowledged by Barcelona as a founding club, included: "The founding clubs will all receive a one-time payment of €350 million, dedicated solely to implementing investment plans in infrastructure and compensating for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Although the announced founding clubs number 12, the final count will reach 15 clubs, sharing the designated amount among them. However, as circulated yesterday in England and confirmed by Mundo Deportivo through its sources familiar with the agreement, there will not be an equal distribution, as there will be four levels depending on the economic capacities of the clubs and what they have achieved in recent years.
In this manner, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United are placed at the first level, along with a few other clubs, allowing them to receive the €350 million before the end of this season. There are three other levels, where the second-level clubs will receive €225 million, the third level €112.5 million, and the fourth level €100 million as a fixed entry point for investment in facilities.
The newspaper noted that brand value is crucial in determining the clubs' locations within the levels, a ranking that they've ultimately approved to acknowledge their standings in global football. Barcelona solidified its position by being named the most valuable club in the world for the first time on Forbes' list last week, surpassing Real Madrid and Manchester United.
These hefty amounts will be financed by investment funds including JP Morgan, which acts as a pool seeking American and some Chinese investors, thereby ensuring that there will not be a single company managing all these details among the participating clubs.
