KEIR RADNEDGE in DOHA: UEFA has claimed victory in the legal dispute with representatives of the breakaway – and collapsed – European Super League.

The general advocate of the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg has thrown the weight of his opinion behind the European football federation in its command of competition organisation across the continent.

In April last year Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus were among 12 clubs which launched the breakaway Super League. Within a week the project had collapsed after a hostile reaction from across the game including fans and governments alike.

All six English clubs – Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – plus Internazionale, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid withdrew from the project.

The three remaining clubs then went to court in Madrid to oppose the threat of UEFA disciplinary action. The judge sought guidance from the European Court on various points of EU competition law.

The opinion now delivered by advocate general Athanasios Rantos will be set before a full chamber of European Court judges and, if endorsed, referred back to the Madrid commercial court for a definitive ruling.

Alternative option

Rantos stated in his considered opinion that UEFA and world federation FIFA did not abuse their dominant position by blocking the creation of an alternative tournament with the threat of disciplinary action.

His statement continued: “The FIFA and UEFA rules that make the creation of any new competition subject to prior authorization are compatible with the European Union’s competition law.”

The opinion is not binding on the full chamber of judges but they endorse such opinions in around 80pc of cases.

UEFA hailed the opinion as being “in support of our central mission to govern European football, protect the pyramid and develop the game across Europe.”

UEFA comment

A statement said: “UEFA welcomes the unequivocal Opinion of Advocate General Rantos, which is an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid.

“The opinion reinforces the central role of federations in protecting the sport, upholding fundamental principles of sporting merit and open access across our members, as well as uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.

“Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposed to the ESL, or any such breakaway proposals, which would threaten the entire European sports ecosystem.

“While we await the Court’s final judgment due next year, UEFA, as a public interest, not-for-profit governing body, will continue to be fully focused on its mission to develop football for all, in close cooperation with national associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans, EU institutions, governments and other relevant stakeholders who have the true values of football at heart.”

ECA relief

The European Club Association, which represents almost all clubs which compete regularly in UEFA competitions, was also relieved.

It said: “The opinion proposes a clear rejection of the efforts of a few to undermine the foundations and historical heritage of European football for the many.

“As the body representing nearly 250 of Europe’s top football clubs, ECA is explicit in its strong opposition towards those self-interested few seeking to disrupt European club football and undermine the values that underpin it.

“The opinion reinforces ECA’s long-standing opposition to the European Super League and any breakaway project.

“ECA stands for the responsible, progressive evolution of football and remains steadfast in its belief that in Europe this should be achieved alongside and in partnership with UEFA as the legitimate governing body, together with other fellow professional football stakeholders and European and governmental institutions.”

ECA has two representatives on the UEFA executive committee.

FIFA statement:

FIFA welcomes the Opinion issued today by Advocate General Rantos of the European Court of Justice in which he confirms the standing and legitimacy of FIFA and UEFA to approve any new football competitions.  By the same token, the Advocate General considers that sanctions may be imposed in respect of competitions which do not satisfy the approved authorization criteria.  

FIFA also welcomes the Advocate General’s recognition of FIFA’s exclusive rights to market international competitions organized by FIFA. 

Finally, FIFA welcomes the recognition by the Advocate General of the special nature of sport, including the pyramid structure, which preserves the nature of sporting merit and open competitions accessible to all, as well as the principles of promotion and relegation, competitive balance, and financial solidarity. 

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