Advocate General Athanasios Rantos has dealt a new blow to the so-called ‘Super League clubs’ Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona, ruling that it’s UEFA’s right to approve new European competitions.
Rantos said on Thursday that Super League organisers are free to set up a new independent competition although they “cannot in parallel with the creation of such a competition, continue to participate in the football competitions organised by FIFA and UEFA without the prior authorization of those federations.”
As explained by Associated Press ‘Advocates general routinely provide legal guidance to the ECJ. Their opinions aren’t binding on the Luxembourg-based court but are followed in most cases.’
The case was heard this past July and the final ruling is expected next year.
Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the only three clubs still backing the Europen Super League, which was launched by 12 elite European clubs in April 2021 but collapsed within 48 hours starting with the withdrawal from Premier League clubs, followed by Inter, Milan and Atletico Madrid.
Super League clubs argue that UEFA abuses market dominance while European football’s governing body stresses that its pyramid structure protects competitions and ensures that tournaments are open to all.
A22 Sports Management, the company behind the Super League, appointed a new CEO, Bernd Reichart, this past October.
“The Super League is still alive, I can say with certainty that many clubs in Europe share the same vision as Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid and now have the chance to make their voice heard,” Reichart told El Larguero after his appointment two months ago.
While I’m not in favour of the Superleague, this ruling only further highlights that UEFA and FIFA hold a monopoly.
Yeah better not get too far ahead with those Super League plans. If it came to fruition, the 7/9 would be the Norwich City of that league, getting whooped weekly by much bigger and legitimate big boys.
Monopoly.