Danish football blasts European Super League plans

Denmark’s football association, clubs and legends are all heavily critical of plans by 12 European giants to create an elite super league

European football is in uproar following the news yesterday that a small group of top clubs have agreed to establish a continental elite league outside the confines of UEFA. 

The vast majority of stakeholders in the game are vehemently against the proposed European Super League (ESL), including the DBU football association DBU and Divisionsforeningen league association.

“A closed European tournament that clubs are invited to and can’t qualify for is about as unsympathetic as one could possibly imagine,” said Divisionsforeningen head Thomas Christensen, who is also the deputy head of the DBU.

“In the short term, there would probably be immense financial rewards to gain for the 12 clubs, but it would completely undermine football’s ecosystem – and national leagues would be hit hard. This is a project we can’t distance ourselves from enough.”

READ ALSO: Denmark secures top-15 coefficient mark

Greed over fans 
AC Milan, Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have been named as founding members of the ESL, while a few other clubs are expected to take part.

UEFA went as far as threatening to ban players from the ESL from playing for their countries. 

And that could significantly impact the Danish national team in the future, with the likes of Christian Eriksen (Inter), Simon Kjær (AC Milan), Martin Braithwaite (Barcelona), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham) and Andreas Christensen (Chelsea) potentially missing out on Denmark games.

Yet, the ESL doesn’t seem to be backing down and has already threatened UEFA and FIFA with legal action should such measures be employed.

Denmark legend Michael Laudrup blasted the concept, adding that he expects it will ultimately come to nothing.

“In my opinion, this is about power and greed – nothing else,” Laudrup told TV2 News.

Check out the video below – featuring former Manchester United icon Gary Neville – for an even more boisterous critique of the ESL plans.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.