ECJ declares UEFA’s super league block unlawful

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Thursday that UEFA’s attempt to block the rival Super League competition violated EU law. The ruling sends shockwaves through the footballing world, prompting diverse reactions from key stakeholders.

“The FIFA and UEFA rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful,” declares the ECJ, highlighting a major legal setback for football’s governing bodies.

While UEFA acknowledges a pre-existing shortfall in its pre-authorization framework, FIFA emphasizes the importance of sporting merit and competitive balance. La Liga denounces the Super League as “selfish and elitist,” and the Bundesliga’s DFL firmly supports the European sports model.

Lucy Frazer, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, reaffirms the government’s commitment to fan interests, promising legislation in 2024 for a football regulator to prevent future breakaway attempts.

Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22 Sports Management, champions the idea that “Football is free” from UEFA’s monopoly, emphasizing the Super League’s pursuit of innovative ideas. Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, and Barcelona express unwavering loyalty to the Super League, seeing it as a triumph for “a Europe of freedom” in football.

While Real Madrid and Barcelona remain steadfast in their support for the Super League, Atletico Madrid, one of the original twelve, distances itself, stating that the European football community does not support the Super League. Manchester United, another initial proponent, now firmly aligns itself with UEFA, affirming its commitment to participation in UEFA competitions.

The ECJ’s ruling not only exposes legal flaws in UEFA’s actions but also reignites the debate over the structure and future of European club football.

The footballing world awaits further developments as the landscape of elite competitions undergoes a seismic shift.