The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has delivered its first ruling on the legitimacy of the failed European Super League breakaway of 2021, leaning in favour of opposers UEFA.
Manchester City and Manchester United were two of six Premier League clubs who had signed up for the new competition, which proposed that many of the continent’s elite clubs form their own league with no relegation or promotion while still playing in their domestic divisions.
The announcements drew force backlash from fans across Europe, with the fans of many clubs staging protests outside of grounds and before games. City’s official supporters’ club stated at the time: "We are totally opposed to anything which creates a breakaway 'European Super League'.
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“This proposed new competition has no sporting merit and would seem to be motivated by greed.” City eventually withdrew and CEO Ferran Soriani released an apology letter.
It said: “In making that choice we failed to remind ourselves of the unbreakable link between the passion of our fans and the right to have the opportunity to earn success. We made a mistake and we sincerely apologise to our fans for the disappointment, frustration and anguish caused by the last 72 hours.”
The pressure eventually led to the European Super League’s collapse with all six English clubs withdrawing, as well as AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. However, Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid have never retracted their inclusion with Super League Chairman and Real President Florentino Perez vowing to see it succeed.
UEFA condemned the attempted breakaway and threatened to suspend clubs who had taken part, with the five major European leagues also following suit. It argued that only UEFA and FIFA can organise and sanction international and European competitions.
However, the three remaining clubs dispute that the two governing bodies have the right to sanction them and the matter has been taken to the CJEU. A two-day hearing was held in July and the Court gave its initial ruling on Thursday (December 15).
It has sided with UEFA, with Advocate General Athanasios Rantos stating: "The FIFA-UEFA rules under which any new competition is subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law.” The final judgement will be made next year.
UEFA responded with a statement, which said: “UEFA warmly welcomes today’s unequivocal Opinion recommending a ruling of the CJEU in support of our central mission to govern European football, protect the pyramid and develop the game across Europe.
“UEFA welcomes today’s unequivocal Opinion of Advocate General Rantos, which is an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid.
“The Opinion reinforces the central role of federations in protecting the sport, upholding fundamental principles of sporting merit and open access across our members, as well as uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.
“Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposed to the ESL, or any such breakaway proposals, which would threaten the entire European sports ecosystem.
“While we await the Court’s final judgement due next year, UEFA, as a public interest, not-for-profit governing body, will continue to be fully focused on its mission to develop football for all, in close cooperation with national associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans, EU institutions, governments and other relevant stakeholders who have the true values of football at heart.”
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