Real Madrid and the promoters of the European Super League are seeking over $4 billion in damages from UEFA, alleging that the governing body unfairly undermined the breakaway competition, a source told AFP on Thursday
A Spanish court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal from UEFA related to the league.
The Super League, proposed in 2021 by 12 elite European clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona, collapsed shortly after its announcement due to strong opposition from English clubs’ fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA.
In December 2023, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA’s ban on the Super League violated European law. Last year, a Spanish judge found that FIFA and UEFA had “prevented free competition” by opposing the league, describing their actions as anti-competitive and an abuse of dominant position.
On Wednesday, the Madrid court also rejected appeals filed by La Liga and the Spanish football federation.
A22 Sports Management, the league’s promoter, said UEFA had “refused any path of compromise or reforms” despite months of discussions, leaving them “no other choice” but to seek compensation for damages incurred.
“After years of legal proceedings, UEFA can no longer ignore binding court decisions,” said A22 CEO Bernd Reichart. “By abusing their monopoly and blocking new initiatives, they have caused substantial damages to numerous clubs, players, and other stakeholders across Europe.”
UEFA, however, stressed that the ruling does not validate the abandoned 2021 Super League project nor affect its current regulations, which were updated in 2022 and 2024. “These rules ensure that any cross-border competitions are assessed on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory, and proportionate criteria,” the body said.
Real Madrid welcomed the ruling, stating it confirmed UEFA “seriously infringed the European Union’s free competition rules by abusing its dominant position” in relation to the Super League. The club added that it would continue working “for the good of global football and fans” while pursuing substantial damages from UEFA.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
