The Court of Justice of the European Union issued a ruling on Thursday that FIFA and UEFA abused their dominant position by blocking the emergence of the Super League through threats of sanctions against clubs and players involved. The decision signals support for the idea behind the concept, not a formal endorsement of any specific project. The stance comes amid pressure from Real Madrid and Florentino Perez. Reactions to the ruling were swift, with LaLiga cautioning that the court had not yet ruled on a concrete proposal, while leaders within European football framed the moment as a new era of freedoms in Europe.
Super League is being reborn: European Justice ruled that UEFA abused its power
Today’s discussions underscore how the Super League has become a symbol of contested reform in football, with Real Madrid and its president drawing attention to the broader debate about market power, competition, and access. The ruling is viewed by supporters as a validation of the possibility for new formats outside the traditional pyramid, even as many officials insist any change must be open and merit-based rather than exclusive. In the immediate aftermath, comments from the leadership at LaLiga and the Spanish federation highlighted a preference for transparent, open competition that allows annual direct paths through domestic leagues rather than closed models. The messaging in sports circles and official statements alike carried the phrase “Win on the pitch” in a language that aims to project confidence to fans.
Tebas: “Doubts and misrepresentations must be avoided”
Tebas shared his views on social media, calling for rules that are clear, transparent, and objective when approving new competitions. He argued for a regulatory framework that imposes conditions comparable to the entire sector and prevents discretionary actions by powerful figures within FIFA and UEFA. He noted that a process existed in 2022 allowing new competitions in which the Super League could participate, framing the court’s decision as a nudge toward greater accountability rather than a verdict on any single plan.
In a cover note, Tebas stressed the need for transparent, clear, and objective rules for approving events, arguing that merely disapproving is not enough and that a formal, normative structure must set common standards. The president of LaLiga echoed these sentiments in his public communications, emphasizing that the football ecosystem should be guided by uniform rules that promote fair competition and prevent unilateral control by a handful of governing bodies. The discussion is framed as a defense of the sport’s integrity and its financial sustainability.
Within the broader discourse, Tebas referenced the CJEU press release’s caution against misinterpretation. The court noted that a project like the Super League might be permissible in principle, but the ruling did not adjudicate that specific proposal amid general questions about FIFA and UEFA rules. This nuance left room for ongoing dialogue about the structure and governance of European competitions while reaffirming the importance of fair regulatory processes.
LaLiga later issued an extended statement that aligned with Tebas’s stance, framing the decision as supportive of transparent processes. The organization referenced the involvement of multiple EU governments in discussions that have shaped the football pyramid and argued that jurisdiction should focus on how competitions are conducted rather than on suppressing potential formats. In this view, the emphasis remains on clear rules that enable widespread participation while maintaining rigorous standards for governance and competition.
From the federation’s perspective, the core takeaway is that anyone should be able to organize competitions that operate within the broader FIFA/UEFA framework, and no one questions the principle of competition. The emphasis, again, is on transparent procedures for authorization of new events and a fair regulatory environment that protects the integrity of the sport and its participants.
LaLiga also cited a report from an industry analyst indicating that a European Super League could impact revenues for Spanish clubs, potentially affecting thousands of jobs and billions in tax contributions. The analysis suggested that such a shift would influence the broader economy, underscoring why governance and financial stability remain central to any reform discussions.
Florentino: “A great day in football history”
Real Madrid issued a corporate response through its president, Florentino Pérez, who began with a note of measured optimism. He spoke of the ECJ decision as a moment that safeguards the principles, values, and freedoms of European football. Pérez argued that the ruling signals that European football will no longer be treated as a monopoly and that the right to promote new formats that reward sporting merit can be recognized under the right regulatory conditions. He framed the decision as a milestone in the ongoing evolution of the sport toward greater openness and competition.
According to Pérez, this is a victory in the broader struggle for an open football landscape where innovation and financial fairness can coexist with competitive balance. He emphasized a future grounded in constructive dialogue, warning against pressure tactics and urging a steady path toward reforms that benefit clubs, players, and fans alike.
In his remarks, Pérez highlighted campaigns that will continue to push for reform after decades of concentration. He described a new era of engagement that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation, projecting a vision of football that blends modern practices with the enduring values of sport.
Barça: “Super League project has been approved”
FC Barcelona issued a statement celebrating the court’s ruling and signaling support for an expanded European competition model. The club described the decision as a doorway toward a top-tier European format that challenges the traditional monopoly and invites dialogue about the future of the game. Joan Laporta’s leadership was cited as a driving force behind the position, emphasizing the importance of open discussion among football institutions about how the European competition framework should look going forward.
Barça reiterated its continued backing for the Super League concept, calling for constructive discussions among all football organizations. The club argued that today’s judicial development clears a path for evaluating reforms that could reshape European competition in a cooperative, inclusive manner, with a focus on what the future model should deliver for teams and fans alike.
Y22: “All matches in the Super League will be free”
A22 Sports Management, the company involved in promoting and supporting the establishment of the Super League, welcomed the ECJ ruling as a turning point. The executive, Bernd Reichart, asserted that UEFA’s monopoly was ending and that football would become freer for clubs to determine their own destinies. He spoke about broadcasting all Super League matches without charge, as well as ensuring that club revenues and solidarity payments would be protected, signaling a commitment to financial viability and fan access.
Reichart also addressed fans and clubs directly. He promised broad access to matches and reinforced assurances that the economic model would sustain participating clubs while maintaining solidarity with the broader sport ecosystem. The communication framed the development as a win for freedom in European football and a step toward greater transparency in how competitions are financed and distributed.