Real Madrid and the organisers of the European Super League are demanding over $4 billion in compensation from UEFA. They accuse football’s governing body of deliberately destroying their breakaway competition.
This demand follows a Madrid court’s dismissal of UEFA’s appeal on Wednesday. The decision marks the latest development in the prolonged legal battle over the controversial project.
The Super League launched in 2021 with 12 elite clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona. It collapsed within days after fan protests and threats from UEFA and FIFA.
In December 2023, the European Court of Justice ruled UEFA violated EU law by blocking the competition. A Spanish court later found FIFA and UEFA had abused their power and prevented free competition.
A22 Sports Management, the Super League’s backer, stated UEFA’s refusal to negotiate or reform forced legal action. CEO Bernd Reichart said: “UEFA can no longer ignore binding court decisions. Their monopoly abuse caused substantial damage across European football.”
Real Madrid welcomed the ruling as proof of UEFA’s competition law violations. The club announced it will “continue working for football’s good while claiming substantial damages from UEFA.”
UEFA maintains its updated competition rules from 2022 and 2024 remain valid. The organization asserts these ensure fair oversight of new tournaments.
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