The whole of European football was nervously awaiting the verdict of the European Supreme Court to make a decision on the Superleague which could in theory change the course of the game in Europe.
A22, the organization behind the Superleague, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona were hoping to score a victory against UEFA in a court that would have ruled that the European football body and FIFA had a monopoly on football in Europe. This would allow them to implement the Superleague without opposition, removing UEFA’s right to sanction the two clubs and any other club that wishes to join them.
The other possibility is that by agreeing with UEFA, it would put an end to the Superleague or any other similar project. While UEFA can sanction clubs with suspensions and fines, it will continue to control the money and potentially the players. A partial victory, depending on the decision, would have maintained the status quo to some extent, with both sides retaining their positions.
The decision was handed down at a quarter to 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, with the judge signaling a clear abuse of power by UEFA and FIFA. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid cannot be excluded from the Champions League, European competitions or FIFA for trying to organize a new competition, as this goes against the laws of the Union market European.
“We have earned the right to compete. UEFA’s monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs no longer have to fear sanctions and can now determine their own future”said Bernd Reichart, Managing Director of A22. “For supporters, we are proposing that all Super League matches be broadcast for free. For clubs: income and solidarity payments are guaranteed ».
La Liga released a statement shortly afterwards to “remind” supporters that the Superleague is a selfish and elitist project. A22 is due to give a press conference at 1:00 p.m. CEST to react to the decision, but it appears the Superleague project is not dead. The future will likely be determined by the clubs, but Barcelona and Real Madrid have so far faced rejection from the Bundesliga, Paris Saint-Germain and the Premier League. The fear of sanctions for clubs considering joining the Superleague is now over, which could be a decisive change.
