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Real Madrid Escalates Super League Fight with $4.5 Billion Threat to UEFA
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A contentious battle for the future of European football is intensifying, as Real Madrid and its financial backer, A22 Sports Management, threaten UEFA with a claim exceeding $4.5 billion in damages. The move, confirmed by Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, aims to force negotiations over a redesign of the Champions League and revive the controversial Super League project.
Four years after its initial unveiling in the spring of 2021, the Super League – initially backed by 12 founding clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United – has largely faltered. However, Real Madrid remains the sole unwavering proponent, escalating the dispute with European football’s governing body.
A History of Disagreement
The Super League was first proposed as a rival competition to the established champions League, promising guaranteed participation for elite clubs and a significant increase in revenue. The project quickly faced widespread condemnation from fans, governing bodies, and even some participating clubs, leading to a swift collapse just days after its declaration.
Despite the initial failure, the idea has not been abandoned. According to sources close to the negotiations, UEFA initially adopted a strategy of delaying tactics, hoping the Super League would simply fade away. “There is no other option,” a senior official stated, “It is in UEFA’s hands to be able to avoid [the demands], but it can only be through serious negotiations.”
Legal Battles and Financial Demands
The conflict has shifted to the legal arena, with A22 arguing that UEFA and FIFA have abused their power to stifle competition. In December 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in favor of the Super League, finding that UEFA and FIFA acted as “arbiters” and violated European Union competition law. This ruling, though, did not guarantee approval of the Super League, stipulating that any new competition must be implemented within the existing European football ecosystem.
Further bolstering the Super League’s case,the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) in Spain launched an investigation last June into UEFA’s efforts to block the project.
A22 has formally demanded compensation for damages, citing UEFA’s continued resistance to implementing the CJEU’s ruling.In a statement released Monday, the company warned that UEFA is “challenging these rulings” and that “the only appropriate course at this time is to demand compensation for the damages suffered.”
Pérez Defends Accessible Football
Florentino Pérez publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the Super League at a recent Real Madrid assembly, stating, “We have not come this far to frame judicial rulings, but to put them into practice.” He also expressed concern over the rising cost of watching football, pointing to the more accessible broadcast model used during the Club World Cup on Dazn as a preferable option. “It is not normal that in the 21st century, watching football on television is increasingly expensive,” Pérez argued, adding that an “increasingly expensive product” alienates fans.
The Future of european Football
The current standoff presents a critical juncture for European football. While the Champions League remains the dominant continental competition, the threat of a legal battle and substantial financial claims looms large. The CJEU ruling allows for the possibility of a revised Super League, now rebranded as the Unify League for 2024, but its success hinges on navigating the complex relationship with UEFA and securing broader support from clubs and fans.
The coming months will be crucial in determining weather a compromise can be reached or if the battle for the soul of European football will continue to escalate.
Did you know?– The Super League was initially proposed in 2021 as a rival to the Champions League. It promised guaranteed spots for elite clubs and more revenue. The project quickly failed due to fan and governing body opposition.
Pro tip:– The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled in favor of the Super League in December 2023. It found UEFA and FIFA violated EU competition law. This ruling didn’t guarantee Super League approval.
Reader question:– What is the Unify League? It’s the rebranded Super League for 2024. Its success depends on navigating UEFA relations and
