Creating the most exciting competition in the world.
The competition.
The best always strive to be better. The new Unify League aims to be the most exciting football competition in the world.
At the heart of our vision are 96 men’s and 32 women’s teams playing midweek in exciting competitions across Europe with competitive drama and decisive matches throughout the entire football season.
Our approach reflects extensive consultation with football stakeholders and their feedback has been instrumental in shaping our proposal. The proposal adheres to the core principles of European football including broad and inclusive access as over 700 clubs have the potential to play in the competition based on annual performance in their domestic leagues.
With clubs now empowered to shape their own future at the European level, we remain committed to creating a forum where the best compete with the best, allowing top athletes to reach their full potential and thrilling fans worldwide.
The men’s competition.
The men’s competition features 96 clubs competing across four leagues: Star, Gold, Blue and Union. This system ensures dynamic competition and inclusivity. The Star and Gold Leagues include 16 clubs each, while the Blue and Union Leagues are comprised of 32 clubs. Clubs will play in groups of 8, home and away, guaranteeing a minimum of 14 matches per season.
- Knockout stage: At the end of the season, each league will host an 8-club knockout stage to determine the league champion, adding excitement and high-stakes drama to the competition's conclusion.
- Annual Access from Domestic Leagues: Clubs from 55 European countries will have a pathway to face the best clubs in Europe.
- Respect for calendar: The competition fits seamlessly into the existing match calendar without increasing the number of matchdays.
- Midweek Matches: Matches will be played midweek to prevent interference with domestic league calendars.
The new UNIFY League vs. UEFA Club Competitions.
Football needs to change for the better. The proposed new Unify League offers fresh ideas.
The women’s competition.
Finally, the women’s game has the global platform it deserves.
The women’s competition will commence with Star and Gold Leagues of 16 clubs each.
- Just as in the men’s competition, clubs will play in groups of 8 – home and away – with a guaranteed minimum of 14 matches per year.
- At the end of the season, a knockout stage of 8 clubs will be played in each league to determine the league champion.
- Annual Access from Domestic Leagues: Clubs from 52 European countries will have a pathway to face the best clubs in Europe.
- Matches will be played midweek and will not interfere with the match calendar of domestic leagues.
The new UNIFY League vs. UEFA Club Competitions.
Football needs to change for the better. The proposed new Unify League offers fresh ideas.
The men’s competition.
The men’s competition features 96 clubs competing across four leagues: Star, Gold, Blue and Union. This system ensures dynamic competition and inclusivity. The Star and Gold Leagues include 16 clubs each, while the Blue and Union Leagues are comprised of 32 clubs. Clubs will play in groups of 8, home and away, guaranteeing a minimum of 14 matches per season.
- Knockout stage: At the end of the season, each league will host an 8-club knockout stage to determine the league champion, adding excitement and high-stakes drama to the competition's conclusion.
- Annual Access from Domestic Leagues: Clubs from 55 European countries will have a pathway to face the best clubs in Europe.
- Respect for calendar: The competition fits seamlessly into the existing match calendar without increasing the number of matchdays.
- Midweek Matches: Matches will be played midweek to prevent interference with domestic league calendars.
The new UNIFY League vs. UEFA Club Competitions.
Football needs to change for the better. The proposed new Unify League offers fresh ideas.
The women’s competition.
Finally, the women’s game has the global platform it deserves.
The women’s competition will commence with Star and Gold Leagues of 16 clubs each.
- Just as in the men’s competition, clubs will play in groups of 8 – home and away – with a guaranteed minimum of 14 matches per year.
- At the end of the season, a knockout stage of 8 clubs will be played in each league to determine the league champion.
- Annual Access from Domestic Leagues: Clubs from 52 European countries will have a pathway to face the best clubs in Europe.
- Matches will be played midweek and will not interfere with the match calendar of domestic leagues.
The new UNIFY League vs. UEFA Club Competitions.
Football needs to change for the better. The proposed new Unify League offers fresh ideas.
A message from our CEO.
Bernd Reichart
CEO of A22 Sports Management
Now is the time for all stakeholders, including UEFA and FIFA, to bring real innovation that prioritizes fan experience and affordability, player welfare and match competitiveness. We remain committed to fostering relationships built on mutual respect, transparency, and constructive dialogue. The fans, players, clubs, leagues and other groups that make up the football community deserve nothing less.