ECJ ruling on the Super League: "We have won the right to competition"

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Florentino Pérez, President of Real Madrid

Photo: Eric Gaillard / REUTERS

In its ruling, the European Court of Justice ruled that the monopoly position of the European Football Union (Uefa) and the world governing body Fifa was incompatible with European competition law. Thus, after 17 months of proceedings, the way seems clear for a renewed attempt at the Super League, which failed and was controversial in April 2021.

The Spanish top football clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have reacted with delight and "satisfaction" to the verdict. Both clubs have been among the drivers of the billion-dollar league from the very beginning. Uefa and the Spanish league continue to reject the project. Here are the first reactions to the ruling:

Bernd Reichert (from the plaintiff sports marketing agency A22): "We have won the right to competition. Uefa's monopoly has come to an end."

Uefa: "The verdict does not imply an endorsement or endorsement of the so-called Super League. We trust that the solidarity-based European football pyramid, which has been declared by the fans and all stakeholders to be their irreplaceable model, will be protected by European and national laws against the risk of secession."

German Football League (DFL): "The DFL explicitly supports the European sports model and rejects competitions outside the competitions organised by the associations and leagues. Following the understandable and expected ruling, Uefa and Fifa are now required to review their criteria, which have already been further developed, to adapt them if necessary and to apply them lawfully."

Football Supporters Europe (FSE): "Whatever happens next, the Super League remains an ill-conceived project that threatens the future of European football. FSE, our members and fans across Europe will continue to fight back."

FC Barcelona: "FC Barcelona believes that the ruling paves the way for a new elite football competition in Europe by challenging the monopoly in the football world."

Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid: "European club football will never again be a monopoly. We will continue to advocate for a modern project that is fully compatible with national competitions."

Spanish League: "Today, more than ever, we reaffirm that the Super League is a selfish and elitist model. Anything that isn't completely open, with direct access only through the national championships, season after season, is a closed format."

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