From May 2021 to summer 2023
The matter began when Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus requested a Madrid court to pose a six‑question bias query in May 2021. The case then moved to the Court of Justice of the European Union, with two days of oral hearings in Luxembourg last July, drawing interest from many EU member states. Key figures in the sport world weighed in, including Javier Tebas of LaLiga and Luis Rubiales of the RFEF, each presenting their positions. Once the Court of Justice receives the ruling, a decision is expected that should align with the broader legal framework of EU competition rules. A final decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court, but the Spanish proceedings are closely tied to the CJUE outcome. The timeline suggested a conclusion before the 2023 summer period, and past experience shows there is a strong tendency for the Court to issue results consistent with the Attorney General’s provisional guidance in a substantial majority of cases. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
A22 Sports Management, the organizer of the Super League, has emphasized a commitment to open dialogue with a wide range of football stakeholders as the process unfolds. This stance reflects a broader effort to engage with the football community on the competitive landscape and governance questions arising from the legal proceedings. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
– Report by Fermín de la Calle. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
The Super League itself is a central element of the discussion. Reports have highlighted significant financial backing, including a portion of funding attributed to a large investment bank consortium. The dialogue around this project has produced varied responses from federations and member associations, sparking debates about meritocracy and the future direction of European football. Some clubs exerted pressure that contributed to shifts in opinion, including high‑profile withdrawals from the project, with financial institutions adjusting their positions in response to stakeholder feedback. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
Padel and golf
The Attorney General’s eventual stance on the monopoly question could influence how similar competitive dynamics are handled in other sports. Should the Super League dispute prompt a legal framework, parallels might emerge in paddle tennis and other professional circuits. The LIV Golf case provides a contemporary example, with investors and prize structures drawing scrutiny similar to what is observed in football governance debates. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
This moment in the legal process marks a pivotal checkpoint for European club football. A leading figure from the sector explains the significance of the developments and what they imply for the sport’s governance and competitive balance. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
During the interval before the final legal pronouncements, strategic organizational changes were made by the Super League organizers. A22 Sports Management expanded its leadership structure, bringing on new executives with a background in media and investment. The shifts occurred amid a broader alliance between major clubs and investment groups, alongside discussions about long‑term financing options and governance arrangements. These moves mirror the complex interplay between club strategy, sponsorship, and regulatory oversight in contemporary European football. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
Laghrari, Florentino’s partner
In recent reports, the three leading clubs declined to sign a proposed agreement and considered alternative financing paths. A multiyear loan package backed by major investment banks and coordinated with private equity partners was discussed as an alternative, illustrating the scale of financial considerations involved. The narrative also connects Laghrari with a key figure in the organization behind the Super League and touches on connections to previous corporate restructurings and advisory roles in related projects. The broader context points to the immense capital at stake and the financial architecture shaping modern football governance. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]
Industry observers note that past transactions and advisory roles have played a part in steering the direction of major European sports ventures, including high‑level involvement in selection of banking partners and capital arrangements tied to stadium projects and organizational reform efforts. The overall picture emphasizes how financial engineering interacts with sporting governance in shaping outcomes for fans, clubs and leagues. [Source: ElPeriodico_Esp, 19 October 2022]