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Florentino Perez would be the first chairman of the European Super League if it goes ahead

The European Super League was created “to save football”, says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Real are one of the 12 European clubs who have signed up to the breakaway league and intend to establish a new midweek competition.

Perez said the move had been made because young people are “no longer interested in football” because of “a lot of poor quality games”.

“Whenever there is change, there are always people who oppose it,” he said.

The English ‘big six’ of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham have agreed to join the new league.

The move has been criticised by football authorities and government ministers in the UK and widely condemned across Europe by Uefa and leagues associations.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a meeting with football’s governing bodies on Tuesday to discuss the move, while the 14 Premier League clubs not included in the plans are also scheduled to meet.

Perez said that the top teams were losing money and that big-name matches would help increase their revenue.

“We are doing this to save football at this critical moment,” Perez told Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones.

“If we continue with the Champions League there is less and less interest and then it’s over.

“The new format which starts in 2024 is absurd. In 2024, we are all dead.”

Plans for a revamped 36-team Champions League, starting in 2024, were confirmed by Uefa on Monday.

He added: “In the ’50s, it was a similar situation. Uefa and Fifa went against the new European Cup, but that competition changed football.”

Why form the ESL?

Perez said the move had been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to matches being played behind closed doors.

He claimed 40% of young people are not interested in football and Real have lost 400m euros (£344m) because of the impact of the pandemic.

“When you don’t have any income other than from television, you have to find a solution to make more attractive matches that fans all over the world can watch with all of the big clubs,” said Perez.

“Young people are no longer interested in football. They have other platforms on which to distract themselves.

“We could get back some of the money we lost because of the pandemic. We have to raise more money organising more competitive games.”

How revenue has fallen for the ESL clubs during the pandemic

However, critics say the move is being driven purely by money, would destroy domestic leagues and is against the integrity of the sport.

Former England captain Alan Shearer said he hoped the English clubs would consider the reaction of their fans, which has been overwhelmingly negative.

“Clubs talk about being a family and how fans are the soul of the club,” Shearer told BBC Breakfast.

“Well, let’s see what they really think about the fans, because the fans have now spoken.

“It is clearly obvious that they don’t want this, so let’s see what their fans mean to the football clubs.”

How could the league work?

There has been no concrete plan released on how the tournament would be structured but Perez said it could have shorter matches in order to keep their targeted younger audience interested.

“Young people say the game is too long,” he said. “If young people don’t watch an entire game it is because it is not interesting enough, or we will have to shorten the games.”

He also said that referees and the video review system would be “improved” in the tournament.

“There will be financial fair play and stability. We’ll try to select the referees with professional criteria,” he added.

When could it start?

Another three teams will be added to the league as guaranteed members, with five more qualifying each year.

Perez said the group want to start the new league by August, should they reach an agreement with Uefa, otherwise it could be delayed by a year.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin called the league a “disgraceful, self-serving” plan and a “spit in the face of football lovers”.

Ceferin also said that players involved with the ESL could be banned from all Uefa competitions, which Perez denied.

“It will not happen, the law protects us,” Perez added.

“We will not get into legal issues. It is impossible. The players should remain calm because the threats won’t happen. “This is not a league for the rich, it’s a league to save football.”

The key developments so far

  • A dozen clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – agree to form a new midweek competition
  • European Super League will feature 20 clubs in all and run alongside domestic leagues such as the Premier League
  • Founding clubs are being enticed with a share of a €3.5bn (£3bn) grant provided by the investment bank JP Morgan
  • UK government says it is prepared “to put everything on the table to prevent this from happening”.
  • France’s president, Uefa, the Premier League, Europe’s major leagues, players’ unions and former players all strongly criticise the move
  • Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he does not agree with the move and that the club’s players were not consulted
  • A YouGov poll of 1,730 football fans found 79% opposed the idea of a Super League
  • The 14 Premier League clubs not involved in the ESL move will meet on Tuesday
  • Fans air frustrations on social media and some visit grounds to unfurl banners in protest

Entertainment Gists

Druppythekid Set to release New Two-Track Pack

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Nigerian emerging artist Druppythekid is set to release his new two-track pack, No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade), on November 13, 2026, delivering a message of ambition, self-belief, and defiance in the face of criticism.

Originally from Kwara State and based in Lagos, Druppythekid developed a love for rap, hip-hop, and pop music as a teenager. Introduced to poetry in high school, he found a natural connection between words and rap, eventually joining a rap group before exploring music production at university. After graduation, he began rapping over his own beats, turning his passion into a growing musical pursuit.

On “No Love,” Druppythekid speaks to the determination required to chase dreams despite doubt and opposition. “LA LA LA (Serenade)” takes a more unapologetic approach, dismissing the opinions of those who never believed in him.

Together, the two records reflect one central message: keep pursuing your vision and never let the opinions of others define your journey.

No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade) arrive on major digital streaming platforms on November 13, 2026.

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Who Is Chinwe Zoe? The Nigerian Gospel Singer Behind “Undeniable

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Chinwe Zoe, a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, began recording music in December 2025 after years of singing in church and at home. Less than a year later, she has released three singles, including “Chinwendum”, featuring gospel singer Frank Edwards, “Undeniable” and “Jesus Don Win”, her October 2026 release produced by Masterkraft.

For Zoe, the decision to record was connected to a personal experience that changed how she viewed her life and faith. She has described it as a near-death experience that left her with a renewed sense of gratitude. “In that moment, when I thought it was over, God showed me mercy,” she said. “He gave me victory. And that victory was too loud to keep inside.”

Her debut, “Chinwendum”, was released in December 2025 with Frank Edwards featured on the record. She followed it with “Undeniable” on May 7, 2026. The song’s official video has recorded more than 460,000 views on YouTube. In October, she released “Jesus Don Win”, produced by Masterkraft, with a video directed by Avalon Okpe.

Zoe’s approach to songwriting draws on personal experiences and scripture. She has said that she does not begin the process by searching for a melody, but by waiting for a message that she can develop into a song. She describes a process in which an experience or scripture stays with her until it takes musical form. The melody follows, and she hums it before committing anything to writing.

Her guiding principle is that a gospel song should be accessible to listeners while remaining suitable for congregational worship. “It should be simple enough for a child to sing and strong enough for a choir to carry,” she said.

Zoe has identified CeCe Winans, Nathaniel Bassey and Dunsin Oyekan among the musicians whose work has influenced her. She sings in English and Igbo, and occasionally in Pidgin, drawing on the worship tradition in her musical expression.

“Every song I sing comes from a place I have lived,” she said. “My pain taught me how to worship, my joy taught me how to praise.”

Her music has also begun attracting an online audience. Her YouTube channel has recorded more than 627,000 views across nine videos, while her Spotify monthly listeners have been reported at approximately 6,500. Her Audiomack profile is verified. Zoe records under her own imprint, H2 Records, with distribution through ONErpm. She made her first public performance at the 2026 Annual Virtuous Women Network conference in Enugu, where she performed “Undeniable”.

Outside music, she has spoken about her interest in soul winning and described it as connected to her musical work. She has also said that she wants her songs to encourage listeners facing difficult circumstances. “I want my songs to shift mindsets from worry to worship,” she said. “Whenever anxiety comes, whenever life tries to make you feel small, I want you to hear my sound in your spirit and declare victory over your life.”

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N8TAN Announces ‘UPRISING EP’ — A Story of Rising From the Streets to the Top

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Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.

Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.

More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.

With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.

‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.

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