Super League declared lawful by European court in blow to UEFA and FIFA

The European Court of Justice has greenlit the formation of a Super League.

In its verdict, the highest European authority declared the monopolistic dominance of the European Football Association (UEFA) and FIFA incompatible with European competition law.

Following a 17-month deliberation, this judgment clears the path for the commencement of the contentious billion-dollar league.

The ECJ discerns an “abuse of a dominant position” by UEFA and FIFA. This ruling contradicts the final opinion of Advocate General Athanasios Rantos, which proposed that the Super League could initiate its operations but could not insist on simultaneous participation in association competitions without consent.

On Thursday, the 15 judges of the Grand Chamber overturned this aspect, instilling optimism among the league’s advocates.

As per the ruling, the imposition of sanctions, including exclusion from their own competitions by UEFA or FIFA, is not in compliance with the law.

The judgment contends that such actions would constitute an abuse of the monopoly position under competition law by these influential associations.

Approval from the two associations is unnecessary for the authorization of new competitions.

Following the high-profile failure of the Super League’s establishment in April 2021, the league’s proponents initiated legal action against the unjust monopoly position of UEFA and FIFA.

A Madrid court referred the case to the ECJ. The sports marketing agency A22, backed by remaining proponents Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, joined the lawsuit and made a renewed attempt with an altered concept.

Given that this dispute extends beyond antitrust issues, a counterclaim from UEFA and FIFA in a different domain may now be forthcoming.