The ban on players and clubs participating in the Superleague by international football authorities is contrary to European laws. This is the conclusion of the European Court of Justice (CJEU), which communicated its decision this Thursday concerning the conflict between the Superleague on the one hand, and UEFA and FIFA on the other.
The project initiated by the presidents of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, and FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, is reinforced. “The rules of FIFA and UEFA requiring their prior authorization the creation of any project for a new interclub football competition, such as the Superleague, and prohibiting clubs and players from participating in it, under penalty of sanctions, are illegal ».
An “abuse of dominant position” of UEFA and FIFA
UEFA and FIFA are, according to European justice, in abuse of dominant position. The CJEU specifies, however, that the Super League project, led by several of the richest clubs, “must not necessarily be authorized. Indeed, the Court being questioned, in general, on the rules of FIFA and UEFA, it does not take a position, in its judgment, on this specific project. » His decision is still a terrible disavowal for the authorities.
On the side of A22 Sports Management, the promoter of the Superleague, we welcome this decision. “We have won the right to existreacted Bernd Reichart, president of A22. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanctions AND free to determine their own future. For supporters: we offer free broadcasting of all Superleague matches. For clubs: income and solidarity expenses are guaranteed. »