European soccer embraced multi-billion-euro deal, now it faces all-out war

The plan by 12 clubs to form their own European competition has triggered a game of brinkmanship with the football authorities

European soccer is embroiled in an escalating multi-billion-euro battle for control of the continent’s most presti­gious club competition after a dozen teams declared themselves founding members of a breakaway league.
 
The announcement of the 4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) defection financed by JPMorgan Chase prompted an outcry from fans, governments and UEFA, European soccer’s governing body. In response, UEFA is now exploring a 6 billion euros financing proposal from UK-based asset manager Centricus to fund a revamped Champions League, people familiar with the matter said.
 
The confrontation reflects the evolution of the world’s most popular game as a