UEFA lodge appeal against Madrid court over suspended Super League punishments
By Tom Gott
UEFA have called for the judge of a Madrid court to be removed as part of their appeal against the ruling that they must drop their disciplinary proceedings against Super League rebels Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid.
The three sides, who continue to push for the creation of the breakaway competition, secured a ruling from a Spanish court demanding that UEFA abandon their plans to punish them for their Super League aspirations - and UEFA begrudgingly agreed late on Monday.
However, UEFA have now confirmed they have appealed the decision and hope to see the judge responsible for the initial ruling step down while the proceedings continue.
"Following its announcement yesterday on the so-called ‘Super League’ project and the respective compliance measures UEFA has taken, UEFA reaffirms its view that it has always acted in accordance with not only its Statutes and Regulations, but also with EU law, the European Convention on Human Rights and Swiss law in connection with this so-called ‘Super League’ project," a statement read. "UEFA remains confident in - and will continue to defend - its position in all the relevant jurisdictions.
"UEFA has always acted in good faith throughout the proceedings pending before a Court in Madrid. Accordingly - and notwithstanding that UEFA does not recognise the jurisdiction of the Court in Madrid and firmly believes that it has always acted in full compliance with the pending proceedings - UEFA has today made formal submissions to the Court in Madrid evidencing its ongoing compliance with the orders.
"In addition, UEFA has filed a motion for the recusal of the judge presiding over the current proceedings as it believes there are significant irregularities in these proceedings. In line with Spanish law - and in the fundamental interests of justice - UEFA fully expects the judge in question to immediately stand aside pending the full and proper consideration of this motion.
"Further, UEFA shall also be making a formal appeal to a higher court, the Provincial Court of Madrid (Court of Appeal).
"UEFA will continue to take all necessary steps, in strict accordance with national and EU law, in order to defend its interests and - most importantly - those of its members and all football stakeholders."
As it stands, none of Barcelona, Juventus or Real will face any punishments for their role in the Super League, while the nine sides who have backed out and apologised - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Inter - have all been informed they do not have to pay the pre-agreed fines either.
Those nine sides had agreed to shell out a combined £22m as a donation to grassroots and community projects but have been told that, for now, no payments will be necessary as UEFA are currently not permitted to punish the Super League sides.