The Super League, FIFA, and the Battle for Football’s Future

What does the latest $1bn football TV deal mean for cross border competitions?

Football’s power dynamics are shifting rapidly, and the battle between UEFA and FIFA over the control of elite club football may be reaching its final stages. Recent developments, including the $1 billion World Club Cup deal, suggest that we are entering the last laps of this high-stakes contest.

For those who followed the Apple TV documentary on the Super League, the trajectory has become increasingly clear. The documentary detailed the ambitions of elite clubs and the steps they need to take to make their vision a reality. Now, with FIFA’s latest moves, it appears that we are closer than ever to seeing a significant transformation in club football.

The Super League’s Unfinished Business

The original Super League proposal, launched in 2021 and quickly shut down due to fan backlash and political opposition, was never fully abandoned. While clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have continued to champion the idea, the broader footballing establishment has been working behind the scenes to reshape the game in ways that could allow for a similar breakaway structure—perhaps under FIFA’s guidance rather than UEFA’s.

FIFA’s support for the Super League has often been more implicit than explicit, but their actions speak volumes. With the announcement of a new, lucrative World Club Cup format backed by a $1 billion TV deal, FIFA has signaled its intent to consolidate power over elite club football. The tournament provides an alternative to UEFA’s Champions League, offering clubs another high-revenue competition to participate in.

But that’s just the beginning.

Following the Money: Saudi Investments and DAZN’s Role

One of the clearest indications that FIFA is backing a shift toward a global Super League-style competition is the financial trail. Consider the following:

• Saudi Arabian clubs have been invited to participate in the World Club Cup.

• Saudi investors have acquired a 10% stake in DAZN for $1 billion.

• DAZN holds the broadcasting rights for the World Club Cup.

• FIFA has announced a massive prize fund for the tournament, fueled by DAZN’s $1 billion TV deal.

This sequence of events is not coincidental. It reflects a carefully coordinated effort to bring together the financial and broadcasting power needed to reshape elite club football. By securing Saudi investment and partnering with DAZN, FIFA is creating a structure that could challenge UEFA’s monopoly over club competitions.

UEFA’s Countermove: The 2027-30 TV Deal