Spanish court ruling halts FIFA and UEFA's anticompetitive actions in Super League dispute
A recent court decision in Spain has put a stop to FIFA and UEFA's anticompetitive behavior in response to the European Super League (ESL) controversy. The ruling, issued on Monday, mandates that both organizations cease their opposition to the breakaway league.
A Spanish court has directed FIFA and UEFA to cease anticompetitive behavior in their opposition to the breakaway European Super League (ESL). The ruling was made by Judge Sofía Gil García on Monday.
According to the judge, both FIFA and UEFA have misused their authority by impeding free market competition. They have given themselves the discretion to ban participation in other competitions and have imposed unjust and excessive restrictions.
Both organizations have been told to get rid of any anticompetitive effects caused by their actions as a result of this legal procedure.
The decision made by the Spanish court is in line with the ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in December 2023. The CJEU stated that FIFA and UEFA rules requiring approval before creating a new competition like the ESL, and banning clubs and players from participating, were deemed "unlawful."
A22, the management company that helped create the ESL, was happy with the ruling, calling it a big step towards a more competitive and lasting club football scene in Europe.
The CEO of A22, Bernd Reichart, mentioned in a statement on Monday that UEFA's strict rules and efforts to keep control have limited new ideas for many years. Clubs should be free to discuss and come up with new ideas without worrying about facing penalties.
Reichart stated that the era of monopoly is definitely over. In response, UEFA clarified that the court did not approve projects like the Super League.
A newsagent shows two pages of the main Italian sports newspapers with a headline regarding the Super League reading 'No!' and 'Fermateli!' ('Stop them!).
A newsagent shows two pages of the main Italian sports newspapers with a headline regarding the Super League reading 'No!' and 'Fermateli!' ('Stop them!).
Laura Lezza/Getty Images
“In fact, the judge has asserted that the Super League project has long been abandoned and that she cannot be expected to rule on any abstract projects.
UEFA clarified that the judgment does not allow third parties to organize competitions without permission. It also does not affect any upcoming projects or revised versions of current projects, as stated in the message sent to CNN Sport.
UEFA mentioned that they will need some time to analyze the judgment before determining if any additional steps need to be taken.
FIFA and UEFA can appeal the ruling to a separate section of the Madrid Provincial Court.
CNN has reached out to FIFA for comment.
The ESL story started on April 18, 2021. Twelve of Europe's top clubs decided to form a new competition called the Super League. Their goal was to ensure that 15 clubs would always have a spot in the 20-team league, no matter how well they played.
The league would consist of the original 12 clubs, three permanent teams, and five teams that would qualify each season.
After facing strong backlash from fans and the general public, who believed it was a move to secure the status and earnings of the Super League's founding members, the plans were abandoned within just 48 hours. Despite this, Real Madrid and Barcelona from Spain continued to support the project.
Fans in Spain protest the ESL.
Fans in Spain protest the ESL.
Fran Santiago/Getty Images
CNN has reached out to Real Madrid and Barça for their comments. The Spanish court made its ruling shortly before the UEFA Champions League final, where Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium this Saturday.
Editor's P/S:
The Spanish court's ruling against FIFA and UEFA is a significant development in the ongoing battle over the European Super League. The judge's decision reinforces the principles of free market competition and challenges the authority of these organizations to impede the creation of alternative competitions. This ruling aligns with the CJEU's previous decision, which deemed FIFA and UEFA's rules to be unlawful.
A22's positive response to the ruling highlights the potential for a more competitive and sustainable club football scene in Europe. UEFA's clarification that the judgment does not endorse the Super League project is understandable, but it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact future attempts to establish alternative competitions or revised versions of existing ones. The court's decision sends a clear message that FIFA and UEFA's monopoly over club competitions is facing legal challenges, paving the way for potential changes in the landscape of European football.
