EU (Commonwealth) _The European Union’s highest court has decided that UEFA and FIFA violated EU law by preventing the development of a competing Super League competition.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision on Thursday represents a significant legal loss for UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and FIFA, the international governing body of football. The court ruled that the two sporting bodies’ threat to bar future Super League teams and players from competing was unlawful.
FIFA and UEFA rules requiring prior permission for any new interclub football project, such as the Super League, and preventing clubs and players from participating in those tournaments are illegal, it added.
In early 2021, 12 of Europe’s greatest clubs revealed their participation in the proposed Super League, sparking a violent outcry from fans and a stern warning from UEFA that clubs and players who participated would be excluded from future events such as the World Cup.
Within 48 hours, nine of the 12 rebel teams backed down, including six from the English Premier League, and the initiative failed, forcing promoters A22 Sports Management to file a legal challenge in Spanish courts, who submitted the case to the ECJ.
In response to the danger posed by the Super League, UEFA announced a substantial revamp of the Champions League beginning in 2024, with 36 clubs instead of 32. The teams will compete in a single league tournament, which would replace the existing group stage and guarantee each team at least eight matches.
Though the Super League’s organizers applauded the ECJ’s decision, major leagues and clubs promptly backed the status quo. Manchester United, as well as German champions Bayern Munich, were among the first to indicate they will continue to compete in UEFA events.
Our stance has not altered. United stated, “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, as well as positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”
Before withdrawing, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur were the other five Premier League teams interested. Bayern Munich stated that they were committed to UEFA tournaments and that the Super League “remains closed” for the German champions.
According to Bayern CEO Jan Christian Dreesen, the Bundesliga is the cornerstone of FC Bayern, just as other national leagues are the foundation of all European football teams. As a result, it is our duty and profound belief to strengthen them rather than undermine them. We are also devoted to the European club competitions run by UEFA.
According to the European Club Association (ECA), which represents almost 500 clubs across the continent, the football world “moved on from the Super League years ago.” Clubs are already at the center of decision-making in respect to the contests in which they compete, according to ECA. “Most importantly, football is a social contract, not a legal contract.”
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) of France has said that it “unequivocally supports” UEFA tournaments. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) underlined its resolve to defend national championships “in defense of the broader and more general principle of sporting merit and respect for international calendars.”
The FIGC considers that the Super League is incompatible with these criteria and will always act in the best interests of Italian football. A22 published a statement around half an hour after the ECJ issued its news release. In it, CEO Bernd Reichart claimed, “The monopoly of Uefa is over.” Football is completely free.” He stated that the decision was rather straightforward. It discusses competition abuse. There isn’t lots of room for doubt. He described the verdict as “clear” and “a great day for football.”
