FIFA and UEFA have not broken EU laws by blocking the European Superliga, but supporters are not in favor of giving up

CNN
—

The decisions by football governing bodies FIFA and UEFA to block the European Super League (ESL) are in line with European Union (EU) competition laws, according to an EU statement released on Thursday.

“The FIFA-UEFA rules, which require prior authorization for any new competition, are compatible with EU competition law,” said Advocate General Athanasios Rantos at the EU Court of Justice (ECJ).

The ESL was founded in 2021 by 12 European clubs with the intention of breaking away from European football’s governing body UEFA to create their own competition.

But it collapsed within 48 hours of launch, as UEFA vowed to stop the “cynical project”, world football’s governing body FIFA threatened to ban clubs from international competitions, and fan outrage across Europe.

ESL had accused FIFA and UEFA of anti-competitive behavior incompatible with EU competition laws and filed a complaint with the Commercial Court, asking the Court to rule on the matter.

“FIFA welcomes the opinion issued today by Advocate General Rantos of the European Court of Justice, in which he confirms the standing and legitimacy of FIFA and UEFA to authorize new football competitions,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Similarly, the Advocate General considers that sanctions can be imposed in relation to competitions that do not meet the approved eligibility criteria. FIFA also welcomes the Advocate General’s recognition of FIFA’s exclusive rights to market the international competitions organized by FIFA.

“Finally, FIFA welcomes the Advocate General’s recognition of the special nature of sport, including the pyramid structure that preserves the nature of sporting merit and open competition, accessible to all, as well as the principles of promotion and relegation, competitive balance, and financial Solidarity.”

In a statement released on Thursday, UEFA said it welcomed the EU statement, describing it as “an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of Europe’s football pyramid”.

“Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposes the European Super League or any such breakaway proposals that would threaten the entire European sporting ecosystem,” UEFA added.

Spain’s La Liga, the only league involved in the case, backed the EU statement, saying “FIFA and UEFA rules, which require that any new competition is subject to prior approval, are compatible with EU competition rules.”

“La Liga, along with other European leagues, will continue to fight for the right of the European institutions to legislate and legally protect the current European football model,” said La Liga President Javier Tebas.

The European Club Association (ECA), which represents nearly 250 of Europe’s top football clubs, also welcomed the statement, saying it “proposes a clear rejection of efforts by a few to undermine the foundations and historical legacy of European football for the many.” “.

“The Opinion published today by Advocate General Rantos reiterates ECA’s longstanding opposition to the European Super League and any breakaway project,” the ECA added.

A22 Sports Management – a company set up to sponsor and support the creation of the ESL – believes the ruling was a step in the right direction as it says UEFA has a “special responsibility “ has not unreasonably refuse new competitions.

“We are pleased about the recognition of the right of third parties to organize Europe-wide club competitions,” said A22 Managing Director Bernd Reichart.

“We believe that the 15 Grand Chamber judges charged with examining this case will go much further and give clubs the opportunity to rule their own destiny in Europe.”

The EU Court of Justice is due to make a final judgment in 2023.

CNN contacted Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, three teams still open to a Super League, for comment and did not hear an immediate response.