UEFA’s opposition to the closed competition plan is contrary to the law, finds the Court of Justice of the EU

European justice considered, Thursday, that the rules of UEFA and Fifa on the authorization of competitions, such as the Super League, violate Union law.

Small victory for the defenders of the Super League. The European Court of Justice ruled, Thursday, December 21, that UEFA’s rules relating to the authorization of football competitions, such as the Super League, a breakaway from the Champions League, were contrary to competition law.

“Fifa and UEFA rules on the prior authorization of club football competitions, such as the Super League, violate Union law”, indicated in a press release the court established in Luxembourg. The Court, which rules on the rules of Fifa and UEFA in force in 2021, at the time of the launch of this procedure, considers that the powers of these two organizations “are not governed by any criteria ensuring their transparent (…) and non-discriminatory nature”.

A decision of the Court contrary to the opinion formulated by its general advocate, on December 15, 2022, which indicated that Fifa and UEFA could “uttering threats of sanctions against clubs affiliated to the said federations when the latter participate in a project to create a new competition.”

The court specifies, however, that the Super League project, the aim of which is to bring together the largest European clubs in a closed league, “does not necessarily have to be authorized”emphasizing that it speaks generally on the rules of Fifa and UEFA and not on this specific project.

UEFA’s monopoly called into question

“UEFA’s monopoly is over. Football is free”reacted on the X network Bernd Reichart, boss of A22, the company promoting the Super League. In April 2021, twelve major clubs (Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ​​Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, Inter and AC Milan) had announced their own private competition, with enormous commercial potential, with an offensive launched at midnight just before a vast reform of the Champions League, which was in direct competition.

Following disastrous communication from partisan clubs and strong opposition from supporters, particularly in England, several countries had however considered legislative measures, pushing nine of the rebel clubs to throw in the towel. The dissident adventure collapsed in less than 48 hours. Two years later, only the Spanish clubs Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have not disarmed.

Subsequently, theThe Football Supporters Europe association estimated that This project launched in 2021 “endangers the future of European football”estimates the organization in a press release, promising that its members “will continue to fight” to prevent it.