KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Two days of hearings at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg began today in the dispute between UEFA and the European Super League which collapsed within days of its launch in April 2021.
The European federation’s attempt to undertake disciplinary action against the 12 clubs was scrapped after ESL obtained an injunction in a Madrid commercial court. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are the only three to refuse to withdraw from the ESL.
Subsequently the court decided that the issue of monopoly rights alleged by the ESL as claimed by UEFA – supported by FIFA – over its international football tournaments could contravene European Union competition laws.
It thus referred the case to the European Court for an opinion. Parties supporting the UEFA stance, including more than 20 national football associations, put their cases to the 15-judge grand chamber today [Monday].
UEFA lawyer Donald Slater told the judges a closed league of rich clubs was “a textbook example of a cartel”. He added: “If UEFA had been compelled to authorise such a closed competition, other closed leagues would have emerged, leading to a systemic collapse of the European sports model.”
The European federation has always insisted there is no conflict of interest in its role as regulator and also as a commercial entity.
Lawyers for the two sides will deliver their arguments tomorrow [Tuesday] with a non-binding opinion from the advocate-general expected on December 15. The ultimate outcome could have major implications for the dominant powers of all international sports federations.
UEFA has already tightened loopholes in tournament control regulations since the Super League challenge erupted.
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