MADRID: Real Madrid are claiming compensation from UEFA after the club said the Regional Court of Madrid had dismissed appeals filed by the European governing body, the Spanish football federation and LaLiga regarding the Super League.

Real were among 12 European clubs that backed the breakaway competition in 2021 before support for the controversial event collapsed under fan and government pressure.

UEFA had also stopped the formation of the Super League, threatening sanctions against clubs joining the competition. But in December 2023, the European Court of Justice said UEFA and FIFA had contravened EU law by doing so.

Last year, a Spanish judge ordered the sport’s world governing body FIFA and UEFA to halt their opposition to a parallel European competition, ruling they were practising anti-competitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position.

A club statement said: “Real Madrid welcomes the decision by the Regional Court of Madrid to dismiss the appeals lodged by UEFA, the RFEF and LALIGA, confirming that UEFA, in the matter of the Super League, seriously infringed European Union competition rules in line with the CJEU ruling, abusing its dominant position.

“This judgment paves the way for substantial claims to compensate for the damages suffered by the club.”

Real Madrid added it had held extensive discussions with UEFA this year to find solutions to achieve necessary reforms, adding: “No agreement has been reached regarding more transparent governance, financial sustainability, protection of players’ health, and improvements to the fan experience, including free and globally accessible viewing options such as those used for the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Consequently, the club announces that it will continue working for the good of global football and fans, while requesting compensation from UEFA for the substantial damages it has suffered.”

However, the court said the ruling is not yet final and may be appealed before the First Chamber of the Supreme Court, which has jurisdiction over civil matters.

UEFA said it would review the judgment before deciding on its next steps.

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