European football clubs are quietly building what amounts to a Super League through the back door. The renamed European Football Clubs association agreed to a joint venture with FIFA to run the Club World Cup, while already partnering with UEFA on media rights for European competitions. This arrangement mirrors the original Super League concept but avoids the political backlash.

The deal could expand the Club World Cup from 32 to 48 teams by 2029, giving Europe 18 slots instead of 12. Last year's tournament suffered from missing top clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United, but the expanded format would guarantee places for elite teams. Chelsea collected over £80mn in prize money at the 2025 edition, showing the financial upside.

This stealth approach differs sharply from the 2021 Super League fiasco, which collapsed within days amid fan protests. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG president and former Super League opponent, now leads the EFC while sitting on UEFA's executive committee. The arrangement provides guaranteed income for top clubs without sharing revenue with smaller domestic rivals.

European clubs could soon enjoy regular payments from this growing pot, creating a de facto elite competition. The strategy succeeds because it builds gradually rather than shocking the system, and it leverages existing governing body relationships rather than challenging them directly.