The spectre of the European Super League reared its head again on Thursday as the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA could not legally block players from playing in a rival breakaway competition.
The decision breathed new life into the plans to form a new midweek tournament to rival, and eventually replace, existing competitions like the Champions League, after the previous proposed iteration in 2021 collapsed in calamitous fashion.
Twelve clubs were involved in those initial plans for a closed-shop tournament, prompting visceral reactions from supporters who felt that the very essence of the world's most popular sport was under threat from a select group of high-profile clubs.
Nine of those clubs, including all six English participants, soon performed a U-turn to abandon the plans, while Juventus also eventually distanced themselves to leave Real Madrid and Barcelona as the only remaining proponents of the controversial revolution.
The Spanish giants founded A22 Sports in an attempt to revise the plans and create a new version of the proposals which would resonate with fans more, and they have unsurprisingly thrown their weight behind the new European Super League, which was revealed in the wake of Thursday's ruling.
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However, as things stand they remain alone in their support of the competition, with a host of governing bodies, clubs and influential individuals rejecting the latest proposals and reaffirming their commitment to UEFA, FIFA and the European Clubs Association.
The teams to have spoken out against the plans include Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, all of whom were among the original 12 to back the initial proposal in 2021.
Other European heavyweights like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also rejected the new tournament, having not been involved two years ago either.
However, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are the only clubs to have voiced their support so far, there has been notable silence from others from the original 12, with AC Milan and Juventus yet to release statements on the ruling.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the reaction from some of the notable bodies, clubs and figures within the sport to have rejected the proposals so far.
FIFA
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FIFA has taken note of the ruling issued today by the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to the European Superleague Company SL.
FIFA will now analyse the decision in coordination with UEFA, the other confederations and the member associations before commenting further.
In line with its Statutes, FIFA firmly believes in the specific nature of sport, including the pyramid structure – which is underpinned by sporting merit – and the principles of competitive balance and financial solidarity.
Football owes its long and successful history to the above-mentioned principles, which FIFA, the confederations and the member associations will continue to promote in the future, in the interest of all football fans worldwide.
UEFA
— UEFA (@UEFA) December 21, 2023
UEFA takes note of the judgment delivered today by the ECJ in the European Super League case.
This ruling does not signify an endorsement or validation of the so-called 'super league'; it rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA's pre-authorisation framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022. UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules, and specifically that they comply with all relevant European laws and regulations.
UEFA remains resolute in its commitment to uphold the European football pyramid, ensuring that it continues to serve the broader interests of society. We will continue to shape the European sports model collectively with national associations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments and partners alike.
We trust that the solidarity-based European football pyramid that the fans and all stakeholders have declared as their irreplaceable model will be safeguarded against the threat of breakaways by European and national laws.
PREMIER LEAGUE
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The Premier League notes today's judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the "European Superleague Company", FIFA and UEFA. This is a significant ruling and we will now fully examine its implications for the game.
The ruling does not endorse the so-called "European Super League" and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a "breakaway" competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.
The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions.
Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to international club competitions and the longstanding rivalries and rituals that come with weekends being reserved for domestic football.
These principles are enshrined in the Premier League Owners' Charter, introduced in June 2022, which aims to improve the collective strength and competitiveness of the League in the best interests of the wider game.
Since 2021, the Premier League, alongside other football bodies, has also strengthened its rules and governance in this area.
The Premier League will continue to engage in an open and constructive dialogue, with all relevant football stakeholders, on how best to protect and enhance the complementary balance of domestic and international club football.
LA LIGA
LALIGA stresses that the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) does not sanction the European Super League and that in 2022 UEFA already included a modification to its regulations for the authorisation of new competitions, which is adapted to what the CJEU is now ruling.
Although the promoters of the Super League claim that this judgment is in their favour, the reality is that the CJEU has been clear in stating that "it does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved. The Court, having been asked generally about the FIFA and UEFA rules, does not rule on that specific project in its judgment."
LALIGA, the only league involved in the proceedings, welcomes this statement, which is in line with the formal position expressed by an unprecedented 23 EU and EEA national governments, who joined the football and sporting community at large in defending the football pyramid against secessionist models such as the so-called European Super League.
The essence of this ruling also aligns with the conclusions of the Advocate General of the CJEU from December 2022, who stated that "although the European Super League Company has the freedom to create its own independent football competition outside the ecosystem of UEFA or FIFA, it cannot, in addition to creating that competition, continue to participate in football competitions organised by FIFA and UEFA without the prior authorisation of those federations."
The ruling confirms what we have always said: anyone can organise competitions outside the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, this cannot be prohibited, and no one has questioned this. The judicial question is the condition for these competitions to be under the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, i.e. that there must be transparent, clear and objective rules for the approval of new competitions. In 2022, UEFA already established a procedure to authorise new competitions that can be used by the European Super League or any other competition," said Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA.
Regardless of this ruling, the entire football ecosystem, including players, coaches, leagues, federations, or clubs, have already spoken out loud and clear to say they do not desire a model that perpetuates the participation of a privileged few, restricting the pinnacle of European football to an elite rather than an open sport for all.
The creation of a league designed to enrich the wealthiest clubs and concentrate power to a small number of privileged teams would also result in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs and drastically reduce tax revenues for public coffers across the continent.
In this regard, according to the expert report prepared by KPMG, in Spain alone a project like the European Super League would cause a 55% loss in overall revenues for LALIGA and would jeopardise an industry that generates over 194,000 jobs and €8.39 billion in taxes, representing 1.44% of Spain's GDP.
The European Parliament itself approved a report advocating "for a European model of sport that recognises the need for a strong commitment to integrating the principles of solidarity, sustainability, inclusion, open competition, sporting merit, and equity. Consequently, it strongly opposes segregated competitions that undermine these principles and jeopardise the stability of the sports ecosystem in general."
Therefore, despite the clear positions expressed by fans, clubs, players, federations, the European Parliament, EU governments, and now the CJEU, to reinforce and ensure the defence of the European football ecosystem, its jobs, contribution to the economy, etc., we urge the European Commission to activate the necessary mechanisms to introduce legislative measures that protect European football from future similar attacks.
It is essential to continue closely collaborating with national federations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments, and other stakeholders to nurture the development of football, promote growth, and preserve the fundamental values that have made European football the resounding success story it is today.
EUROPEAN CLUB ASSOCIATION
European Club Association (ECA), representing nearly 500 professional football clubs across Europe, takes note of the judgment issued by the European Court of Justice today.
To be absolutely clear, the judgment in no way whatsoever supports or endorses any form of Super League project.
Since the legal case was brought two years ago, major progressive governance reforms have already been put in place across the ecosystem of football in Europe and worldwide, including new UEFA rules for competition pre-authorisation; and in particular, reforms under ECA's Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Venture with UEFA, and FIFA (signed in September and March this year). Through ECA, clubs today are already at the heart of decision-making in relation to the competitions they participate in.
In short, the world of football moved on from the Super League years ago and progressive reforms will continue.
Most importantly, football is a social contract not a legal contract – all the recognized stakeholders of European and world football - spanning confederations, federations, clubs, leagues, players and fans - stand more united than ever against the attempts by a few individuals pursing personal agendas to undermine the very foundations and basic principles of European football.
ECA will continue to work with UEFA, FIFA and all recognized stakeholders of football to develop the game positively and progressively – founded on the principles of sporting meritocracy, inclusiveness, open competition and genuine solidarity. These principles are at the heart of ECA, and at the core of the European Sports Model, on which all levels of the pyramid benefit and prosper.
MANCHESTER UNITED
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Manchester United has issued the following statement in reaction to today's judgement by the European Court of Justice on the European Super League:
Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.
LIVERPOOL
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Yesterday's ruling by the European Court of Justice does not change Liverpool FC's previous stance on a proposed European Super League. Our involvement has been discontinued.
We will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions.
MANCHESTER CITY
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Manchester City Football Club confirmed in 2021 that it had formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League.
Our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions.
ARSENAL
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Arsenal Football Club notes the judgement by the European Court of Justice on Thursday, 21 December 2023 and our position in relation to the European Super League has not changed.
We will continue to play in UEFA competitions and continue to work with fellow European clubs and the European Club Association (ECA).
CHELSEA
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'The judgment issued today by the European Court of Justice does not change Chelsea FC's position. We firmly believe that, by working with the Premier League, The FA, other European clubs through our strong relationship with the ECA, and with UEFA and FIFA, we can, together, continue to develop the European game for the benefit of everyone.'
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
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Following today's (Thursday, 21 December) ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding the European Super League (ESL), we should like to confirm that our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions.
INTER MILAN
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FC Internazionale Milano reiterates its position that European football's future well-being can only be secured by clubs working together through the ECA, in partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA.
As a Club, we remain committed to the values that underpin the European Sports Model and to working through the ECA alongside our fellow clubs to uphold those values.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
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"Paris Saint-Germain rejects wholly and completely any so-called Super League project, which has been the case since day one and will always remain the case.
As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European Sports Model, upholding values of open competition, inclusiveness, and working with all recognised stakeholders of European football – most importantly for the fans and players, who are the heartbeat of football."
BAYERN MUNICH
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"We have taken note of the judgement of the European Court of Justice. However, this does not change FC Bayern's and the ECA's position that such a competition would be an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the structure of European football.
The Bundesliga is the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues are the foundation of other European football clubs. It is therefore our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not to weaken them. We are also committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So let me make it very clear once again that the door for the Super League remains closed at FC Bayern."
ATLETICO MADRID
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Atlético de Madrid, after analyzing the ruling of the European Court of Justice, would like to express the following:
1. The resolution regarding the framework for prior authorization of other competitions refers to outdated UEFA statutes that were already amended in June 2022.
2. The European Club Association (ECA) and UEFA have established a partnership that renders the consideration of UEFA as a monopoly meaningless. Through agreements within this joint venture, clubs decide 50% on the sale of sponsorship and television rights, revenue distribution, and competition formats.
3. The European football community does not support the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. oppose the Super League. We advocate for protecting the broader European football family, preserving domestic leagues, and securing qualification for European competitions through on-field performance each season.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
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"Borussia Dortmund will examine the ECJ's judgment in detail as soon as the full grounds for the ruling are made available to us. However, we are already convinced that conclusions to be drawn from the ECJ's ruling do not correspond to those that are currently circulating in the media.
"In its press release, the ECJ made it clear, among other things, that the decision does not mean that a competition such as the Super League must necessarily be allowed. For Borussia Dortmund, one thing holds true entirely independently of the discussions surrounding the verdict: we are not available for a Super League."
ROMA
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Following today's judgement delivered by the ECJ on the ESL case, AS Roma reiterates its position in committing to the values and future of European football.
The club in no way endorses any so-called Super League project that would present an unacceptable attack on the importance of the national leagues and the foundations of European football.
AS Roma believes that European football's future well-being can only be secured through clubs working together through ECA in strong partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA.
ATALANTA BC
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As a result of the judgement of the European Court of Justice, Atalanta BC express their absolute opposition to any possibility of implementing the European Super League format, in any shape or form; thus corroborating their previous stance of standing by: the development of national championships, the current system of sporting-based merits, the preservation of popular passions and the respect for National and International sporting institutions.
REAL SOCIEDAD
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Real Sociedad remains committed to working through the ECA together with the rest of the European clubs in defense of the values that define European football. This will only be achieved through the joint work that ECA and UEFA develop.
Thanks to this alliance, important progressive governance reforms have already been implemented across the entire football ecosystem in Europe, including new UEFA rules for the prior authorization of competitions. Furthermore, through the ECA, clubs are now at the center of decision-making in relation to the competitions in which they participate.
Respect for domestic leagues is an asset that we cannot under any circumstances lose. We do not understand football as a closed model. We advocate open football with direct access from the domestic leagues and season by season.
FEYENOORD
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Like other clubs, Feyenoord has taken note of the European Court's ruling that UEFA and FIFA may not ban clubs from starting a competition such as the Super League.
Feyenoord emphasizes that it has not made any commitments and has never spoken to the people behind the possible Super League, as some foreign publications suggest.
With what the club knows so far, it has doubts whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and for national leagues. Through the ECA, the club will continue to think about the future, improvements within European football and strengthening the position of Dutch football.
Naturally, Feyenoord will continue to closely monitor all developments.
MONACO
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"AS Monaco would like to express its full commitment to the principle of sporting merit which governs UEFA competitions and the French championship".
"AS Monaco will continue to work with the Ligue 1 clubs within the Ligue de Football Professionnel, and with other clubs through the ECA, in order to participate progressively and collectively in the development of football".
FENERBAHCE
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Fenerbahce SK takes note of today's judgment delivered by the European Court of Justice on the European Super League case.
To be absolutely clear, the judgment in no way whatsoever supports or endorses any form of Super League project.
As a club, we would like everyone to know that we will keep supporting our longstanding partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA to protect the values that underpin the European Sports Model.
We also wish to reiterate our strong commitment to ECA's role alongside UEFA in bringing excitement and joy to millions of fans from across the world through the UEFA Club Competitions.
Fenerbahce SK is not in favor of any kind of breakaway tournaments which are a big threat against the national leagues, the right to compete equally for all stakeholders and most importantly the cultural heritage that makes football so beautiful for everyone.
FC COPENHAGEN
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"FC Copenhagen takes note of the judgment which in NO way endorses any Super League project".
"As a club, we remain 100% committed to working through ECA alongside our fellow European clubs".
SCOTTISH FA
The Scottish FA, SPFL and SWPL note today's judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the European Superleague Company, FIFA and UEFA. We will now take time to examine fully its implications for the game in Scotland.
It is important to note that the judgment does not endorse the so-called 'European Super League', nor any other breakaway competition that severs the crucial link between domestic league football and European competitions. Football supporters across Scotland, the UK and Europe have time and again made clear their opposition to such a concept.
The Scottish FA, SPFL and SWPL support the principle of open competition – earning it on the pitch – both in domestic and international club competitions. Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, and the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to European club competitions, with weekends being reserved exclusively for domestic football. We continue to support both UEFA and its cup competitions.
Alongside the member leagues of the European Leagues, the Scottish FA, SPFL and SWPL will continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue, with all relevant football stakeholders, on how best to protect and enhance the complementary balance of domestic and international club football.
EUROPEAN LEAGUES
"The European Leagues take note of today's ruling of the European Court of Justice regarding the case C-333/21 European Super League.
"The leagues believe in the fundamental principles of openness and qualification for international club competitions via domestic competition annual performances.
"Domestic competitions are at the core of fans passion for football thanks to their unique scheduling over weekends – which must be always protected – and their invaluable contributions to local communities and solidarity throughout the football pyramid.
"The progress of professional club football relies on a complementary balance between domestic leagues and International club competitions. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to help professional club football in Europe become stronger than ever."
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS EUROPE
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) notes today's decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union and wants to reiterate that there is no place in European football for a breakaway super league.
Since 2021, FSE and fans across Europe have stood firm against a breakaway super league time and time again, and repeatedly called for the greater protection of our game.
The antagonists failed within days back in 2021 because supporters across the continent—including their own clubs' fans —vocally rejected their cynical plans. Despite this, some of them have persisted in clinging to their ill-conceived plan in a strained attempt aimed at saving their own clubs from apparent financial turmoil.
The European supporters' movement remains united in strong opposition to any super league proposal, regardless of how it is repackaged. We will not let its promoters fool us that much has changed with their latest get rich quick scheme. Their aim remains to ensure a few select clubs receive the relative certainty of playing European football each year as well as the revenue that would bring. Participation in European club competitions is and must always be based 100% on sporting merit each season, without exception.
Domestic competitions, local rivalries, and the lifelong bond with our football clubs are the heart of the game and we will continue to stand resolutely against any attempt to destroy this shared heritage.
FSE has repeatedly called for a more even distribution of revenues generated by UEFA's Club Competitions to balance growth within the domestic game of countries. In marked contrast, a privately-owned super league would syphon revenues needed for all and only benefit a few elite clubs.
Today's decision has not given the green light to breakaway projects as those few left flogging a super league claim. FSE remains committed to continuing our work together with UEFA, clubs of all sizes, leagues, national associations, players, EU institutions and national governments, in solidarity with the rest of the football community.
Our clubs, our competitions, and our local communities need enhanced protections. Whatever comes next, the super league remains an ill-conceived project that endangers the future of European football. FSE, our members, and fans across Europe will continue to fight against it.
UEFA CHAIRMAN ALEKSANDER CEFEROVIC
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"Football remains united. This press conference involving all stakeholders speaking together is evidence of that. We have national governments and institutions behind us.
"There is a stark contrast between the press statement and the judgement. The judgement is actually positive as it embraces the key features of the European football pyramid: open competitions, sporting merit, and solidarity.
"The ECJ has certainly not given green light nor approved project like the so-called Super League. We welcome the clarity that the ECJ has delivered today including an endorsement of pre-authorisation system and UEFA's dual role as organising and authorising body.
"We became aware that our authorisation system was imperfect, we started to work on that in 2021 and concluded in 2022 with the decision of the UEFA Executive Committee. We are confident that our rules are fully in line with the ECJ judgement. That said we will of course review further after reading the decision in detail and see if we need to implement further changes.
"It is important to stress that the ECJ has endorsed the European sports model, based on sporting merit which can be guaranteed only if all teams enjoy a certain level of equal opportunity. It is also important to note that clubs from many countries – such as England, Germany and France – are prevented from joining a project which is outside the system.
"Of course, UEFA is free to organise its own competitions and exclusively sell the commercial rights. So any competition must fit within the system and comply with our new authorisation rules, and among other requirements must respect sporting merit, the international calendar, and solidarity. Those rules also protect UEFA's club competitions.
"Football remains united as you see today, well protected from breakaway leagues. Football is not for sale, we showed that many times as stakeholders together. Nothing can change that."
ECA CHAIRMAN NASSER AL-KHELAIFI
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"Maybe some people haven't noticed what football has been doing for the last two years. The reform of the competitions, the joint venture between UEFA and the clubs. I don't see this as a victory for super league at all. This judgement is about legal rules, which have changed.
"We are seeing the same presentations, the same statements talking about freedom – but it's not about freedom, it's a closed league. This is a social contract. The clubs are so proud to be partner with UEFA and play in UEFA competitions .... All stakeholders in Europe are working together for the same goal."
LA LIGA PRESIDENT JAVIER TEBAS
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"I would like to express our total support for UEFA as the regulator of European football. UEFA has been going for 69 years organising European competitions and European football. Over this period,UEFA has had to adapt to the times, to the changing economic and sporting realities. That is what they have been continually doing with the various stakeholders, and last year created new rules on how to create a new competition."
EUROPEAN LEAGUES PRESIDENT PEDRO PROENCA
"For us this decision of the court doesn't change our opinion on what should be the format of the European competitions. On behalf of the European leagues we fully believe in the principles of openness and qualification for international competitions through domestic competitions. We believe in the balance between the domestic leagues and the international clubs.
"We remain completely against the Super League model, and are completely committed to maintaining this line along with the other stakeholders. This decision today doesn't change anything in terms of what we think should be the future of the international competitions."
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS EUROPE SPOKESMAN RONAN EVAIN
"From the fan's side, there's nothing new. It's still the same project that we saw two years ago – the same private, closed, money-driven competition. It's merely repackaging and recycling a terrible idea with no regard to sporting merit.
"The Super League didn't fail because off the existing regulations at the time – it fell because we were all opposed to the project. We belong to an ecosystem of European football which isn't perfect but at least there is a set of rules.
"There is no place for breakaways within European football. We were hoping that the circus was behind us. It would be best for European football if they would just give up now."
FIFPRO EUROPE PRESIDENT DAVID TERRIER
"Players have already positioned themselves vis-à-vis this project and they are unanimously against it. As Fifpro we represent all players, not just those who would potentially play in a single competition in a fragmented structure.
"I agree with Mr Čeferin that this decision reinforces our shared position, and underlines the importance of sporting merit and the pyramid structure of European football."
