Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has lauded the European Court of Justice’s decision as a “great day for the history of football” after the European Super League (ESL) and its backers A22 Sports emerged victorious in their case against FIFA and UEFA. The court ruled that FIFA and UEFA acted unlawfully in attempting to block clubs from joining the breakaway competition.
The ESL, which faced intense backlash from fans, players, and pundits when announced in April 2021, initially saw 12 European clubs, including Real Madrid, sign up for the project. However, protests and withdrawals ensued, leaving only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus committed to the plans before even the Italian clubs withdrew amid fears of severe sanctions.
FIFA and UEFA had threatened unprecedented penalties for clubs joining the Super League, including expulsion from competitions. The court’s ruling stated that the governing bodies are “abusing a dominant position.”
In response to the court’s decision, Perez labeled it a ‘triumph’ for clubs and fans, emphasizing that European club football is no longer a monopoly. He stated that clubs will now be masters of their destiny and welcomed the recognition of their right to propose and promote European competitions. Perez stressed Real Madrid‘s commitment to modernizing football, ensuring economic sustainability, and protecting players while exciting fans worldwide.
Perez expressed Real Madrid’s readiness to work constructively through dialogue, without threats, and with the aim of innovating and modernizing football. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but sees the ruling as a great opportunity to improve European club football.
The ESL clubs, despite this victory, still face hurdles before launching a reborn Super League, and A22 Sports is expected to hold a press conference to provide further insights.
