Spanish Court Rules UEFA and FIFA Wrong to Ban Clubs from European Super League
A Spanish court has ruled that UEFA and FIFA were wrong to ban clubs from joining the breakaway European Super League (ESL), stating that the governing bodies were practicing anti-competitive behavior and abusing their dominant position. The ruling by Madrid’s commercial court comes after a similar decision made by the European Court of Justice in December. The case was brought by A22 Sports Management, the company behind the ESL, against UEFA, FIFA, Spain’s La Liga, and the Spanish football federation (RFEF).
While UEFA has stated that the ruling does not endorse the ESL or back any proposal, A22 Sports Management sees it as a significant victory. Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, believes that the ruling signifies the end of the monopoly in football and a step towards a more competitive and sustainable club football landscape in Europe. Reichart also accuses UEFA of stifling innovation and suggests that clubs should not be threatened with sanctions for having ideas and conversations.
The ESL saga began in April 2021 when news broke that 12 teams, including English clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham, had signed up for the breakaway competition. The plans were met with widespread fury and condemnation from fans, other European leagues, and even governments, leading to the collapse of the project within 72 hours. While the six Premier League clubs plus Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and AC Milan were fined by UEFA, action against Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus was halted during the legal process.
The ruling by the Spanish court may not have given a green light to projects like the Super League according to UEFA and La Liga, but it does highlight the potential for big changes in football. The European Court of Justice’s system allowing competing tournaments to UEFA’s has opened up possibilities for alternative competitions. A22 Sports Management, although yet to announce concrete plans, has been vocal about creating a “rebel” tournament. Meanwhile, the European Clubs’ Association, under the guidance of Paris St-Germain chair Nasser Al-Khelaifi and CEO Charlie Marshall, is growing in size and influence. Additionally, FIFA’s backing away from a legal argument over domestic matches being played in overseas territories has implications for the future.
In conclusion, the Spanish court’s ruling against UEFA and FIFA’s ban on clubs joining the European Super League highlights the ongoing battle for competition and innovation in football. While the ruling may not have immediate consequences, it signifies a potential shift in the landscape of club football in Europe. The outcome of the ESL saga has shown that fans, leagues, and governments have the power to influence major decisions in football. As the sport continues to evolve, big changes are on the horizon.