European Super League project gets huge boost after court of justice ruling

In a highly anticipated decision by the European Court of Justice, UEFA has been found to be “abusing a dominant position” in its application of rules, potentially paving the way for a resurgence of the European Super League project. The court ruled that UEFA and FIFA had regulations pertaining to the establishment of new competitions that lacked transparency, objectivity, non-discrimination, and proportionality, deeming these rules “unlawful.”

Despite the ruling, the court clarified that its decision “does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved.” This judgment has been eagerly awaited by football stakeholders as it holds implications for the future of European football and the potential revival of projects like the Super League.

Bernd Reichart, the CEO of A22, a consultancy engaged by the Super League Company, expressed triumph, stating, “We have won the right to compete. The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is free. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures.”

A22 promptly unveiled plans for both men’s and women’s Super Leagues, featuring 64 teams in the men’s competition and 32 in the women’s, incorporating promotion and relegation across divisions. The proposed system emphasizes merit-based club selection, no permanent membership, and continued participation in domestic leagues, with Super League matches scheduled midweek. Clubs facing relegation would only occur for those finishing at the bottom of the last tier.

The proposed structure involves clubs organized into groups of eight, ensuring 14 matches per season. Reichart highlighted the project’s plans as a potential replacement for UEFA’s Champions League, stating, “For fans: We propose free viewing of all Super League matches. For clubs: Revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga and a vocal critic of the Super League, dismissed Reichart’s statements and criticized the ruling, emphasizing that it did not mandate Uefa and Fifa to admit the Super League. He underscored that the criteria for competition admission must be transparent, objective, and non-discriminatory—principles he deemed incompatible with the Super League.

Uefa, in response to the ruling, emphasized that it does not signify an endorsement of the so-called “super league” and asserted its commitment to the European football pyramid. Uefa expressed confidence in its new rules, which it claims comply with relevant European laws and regulations, while maintaining opposition to the Super League project.

The ruling has sparked varied reactions, with the Super League proponents seeing it as a historic moment and an opportunity for football clubs to shape their destinies. Conversely, critics argue that success in football should be earned on the pitch rather than orchestrated in boardrooms, and domestic regulators are expected to play a role in enforcing adherence to league rules.

The ECJ decision will now be referred back to a Madrid commercial court, where it will be applied to the specifics of the Super League case, marking a crucial juncture in the ongoing saga of European football restructuring.