UEFA says European court ruling does not endorse Super League

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

UEFA on Thursday responded the Court of Justice of the European Union ruling on the Super League, saying the verdict does not endorse the breakaway competition.

"This ruling does not signify an endorsement or validation of the so-called ‘super league’; it rather underscores a pre-existing shortfall within UEFA's pre-authorization framework, a technical aspect that has already been acknowledged and addressed in June 2022," it said in a statement.

"UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules, and specifically that they comply with all relevant European laws and regulations."

The European football governing body also ensured the football community that they remain resolute in its commitment to uphold the European football pyramid, ensuring that it continues to serve the broader interests of society.

Earlier Thursday, the European court ruled that FIFA and UEFA rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the Super League in 2021, were contrary to the EU law.

The European Super League was a proposed competition between 12 European football clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Juventus, Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid) in 2021.

FIFA and UEFA objected to the project, threatening to impose sanctions on clubs and players who might decide to participate, and most of the clubs involved quickly distanced themselves. Sports development company A22, which was formed to assist with creating the ESL, has now given new proposals.