UEFA & Premier League release statements after court hands blow to Super League
By Tom Gott
The Premier League and UEFA have welcomed a ruling from a Madrid court deeming the Super League's claims that UEFA's governance of European football constitutes an illegal monopoly were not justified.
The company behind the Super League have been threatened with sanctions by UEFA, who in turn have been accused of abusing their power and creating an unsustainable football model.
A lawsuit was filed in a Madrid court in 2021 in an attempt to protect the company and the three teams involved - Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus - from any UEFA sanctions, but their case has since been rejected.
The ruling, which is not yet official ahead of a final decision early next year, effectively means that the three clubs involved would have to abandon UEFA, and by extension FIFA, in order to form their own competition.
"UEFA welcomes today's unequivocal Opinion of Advocate General Rantos, which is an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid.
"The Opinion reinforces the central role of federations in protecting the sport, upholding fundamental principles of sporting merit and open access across our members, as well as uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.
"Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposed to the ESL, or any such breakaway proposals, which would threaten the entire European sports ecosystem.
"While we await the Court's final judgment due next year, UEFA, as a public interest, not-for-profit governing body, will continue to be fully focused on its mission to develop football for all, in close cooperation with national associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans, EU institutions, governments and other relevant stakeholders who have the true values of football at heart."
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The Premier League also celebrated the ruling.
"The Premier League welcomes the opinion issued today by the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the case involving the "European Superleague Company", FIFA and UEFA," a league statement added.
"We share the Advocate General’s clear view that open access is fundamental to European club football.
"Further to today’s opinion, the Premier League reiterates its commitment to the principles underpinning the current balance of domestic and European competitions including: Open access, Annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues for European club competitions, Weekends reserved for domestic football, Substantial solidarity funding for football development."