UEFA on Thursday rejected claims that the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) validates the creation of the Football Super League, acknowledging that it points to gaps in authorizations for competitions.
“This decision does not constitute an endorsement or validation of the so-called ‘Super League’; rather, it highlights an existing gap in UEFA’s pre-authorization framework, a technical aspect that was recognized and already resolved in June 2022. UEFA is confident in the robustness of its new rules and in particular that they comply with all relevant European laws,” said UEFA’s response to Thursday’s CJEU ruling.
The CJEU ruled today that FIFA and UEFA’s decision to ban athletes and clubs from participating in private competitions is contrary to European law, such as the Super League proposed by 12 founding clubs on April 18, 2021.
“UEFA remains steadfast in its commitment to defend the European football pyramid and ensure that it continues to serve the highest interests of society. We will continue to shape the European sporting model, together with national federations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments and partners,” the body that governs European football continued.
In this first response, in which it scheduled a press conference at 1 p.m. (Lisbon time), UEFA expressed confidence in the stability of the sport.
“We trust that the European football pyramid, based on solidarity, which fans and all interested parties have declared to be their irreplaceable model, will be safeguarded against the threat of disruption by European and national laws.” concluded.
The EU’s top governing body found UEFA and FIFA were abusing their “dominant position” in their move against the creation of the controversial football super league.
This is a decision that cannot be appealed and must be applied by the Spanish court investigating the case, in response to the complaint filed in April 2022 by the companies managing the sports project – A22 Sports Management and European Super League .
The Superliga project was initiated by 12 European clubs, leaving only Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Juventus.
In a statement, the CJEU ruled that FIFA and UEFA’s decision to subject any competition that arises to their prior approval is unlawful, as is “the banning of clubs and athletes from participating in these competitions”.
However, the CJEU stated that the decision “does not mean that competitions such as the Super League must necessarily be approved”, warning that the decision is linked to what FIFA and UEFA can or cannot do, and not to the legitimacy of a specific project.
At the same time, this court ruled that the bodies governing football in Europe and the rest of the world cannot decide on the broadcasting rights of competitions, arguing that these could be harmful to the clubs and fans themselves, and would prevent ” would benefit them from competitions that are potentially innovative.”
Source: DN
