What has happened?
The 15 judges comprising the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice had been asked to decide whether Uefa and Fifa’s moves to block the formation of the European Super League in 2021, and then sanction those clubs involved, breached EU competition law.
The court found those rules to be contrary to EU law, and that Uefa and Fifa had abused a dominant position in the market by not having suitable conditions and criteria which could give rival promoters access to the market.
What does this mean?
Let’s start with what it doesn’t mean. The court stresses that the ruling does not necessarily give approval to the European Super League as it was proposed in 2021. What it does appear to do is to give companies like A22 the right to pitch a new football competition and for their application to be judged on criteria which are “transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate”.
Why is this a shock?
[ A22 releases European Super League proposal after EU court verdictOpens in new window ]
Because last December the Advocate General (AG) in the case gave a non-binding opinion which found Uefa and Fifa’s rules allowing them prior approval were compatible with EU law. In 80 per cent of cases an AG’s opinion is followed in the final ruling – this case is therefore one of the exceptions. Grand Chamber rulings are binding and cannot be appealed.
What has the early reaction been?
Uefa issued a statement noting the judgement but insisted it did not see it as an endorsement or validation of the Super League project. It is also confident that its authorisation rules for new competitions issued in 2022 are “robust” and comply with European law.
Super League promoter A22 is jubilant, with chief executive Bernd Reichart promising “free viewing” for fans of Super League matches via a streaming platform paid for through advertising. Real Madrid, one of the clubs who initially proposed the breakaway, claimed “European football is finally in the hands of the clubs, players and fans. Our destiny belongs to us,” while Barcelona feel the verdict “paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world”.
Does this mean a Super League will happen?
No, it simply says Uefa’s rules governing access to the market were found to be contrary to EU law. A court judgement does not mean a Super League is inevitable – for a start it requires clubs to be willing. Premier League teams are looking forward to sharing in a €7.7bn bonanza in their next domestic television deal, and the new independent regulator is set to impose licensing conditions precluding clubs from joining certain competitions.
And aside from clubs, the first iteration of Super League in 2021 was deeply unpopular with English fans. A22 faces a huge PR battle to convince supporters of the merits of any new competition it proposes. Kevin Miles, the chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Association, has already said the Super League remains a “walking dead monstrosity”.
What has the Premier League said?
The European Leagues group, which includes the Premier League, put out a statement saying its members “believe in the fundamental principles of openness and qualification for international club competitions via domestic competition annual performances”.
Major clubs and leagues across Europe rejected the Super League in favour of the status quo following Thursday’s verdict.
Manchester United were one of the first to say they remain committed to playing in competitions run by Europe’s soccer governing body Uefa, as did German giants Bayern Munich.
United were one of the 12 clubs involved in the formation of the breakaway Super League in April 2021 but pulled out due to pressure from fans, governments and players.
“Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in Uefa competitions, and to positive cooperation with Uefa, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game,” the club said.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal were the other five Premier League clubs involved before pulling out.
Two months after the six English clubs pulled out of the project in 2021, they said they would offer a combined £22 million pounds (€25.3 million) as “a gesture of goodwill” to go towards the good of the game, including new investment to support fans, grassroots football and community programmes.
The Premier League said they would face a 30-point deduction if they attempt a similar move in future and each would be fined £25 million (€28.8 million) for any such breakaway attempt.
“The ruling does not endorse the so-called ‘European Super League’ and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a ‘breakaway’ competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.”
What does the new Super League proposal look like?
Clearly emboldened by Thursday’s ruling, A22 has already pitched what it has described as “open and meritocratic” men’s and women’s competitions. The men’s will feature 64 teams, with 16 each in the Star and Gold Leagues and 32 in the Blue League. Each season, 20 teams will be promoted to the Blue League via domestic performance, though precisely how remains subject to further “work and dialogue”, says A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart. The women’s competition would feature 32 teams, split evenly between a Star and a Gold League. All leagues would end in an eight-team knockout.
