PARIS, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The European Super League, which seems to have disappeared from public view, has once again become the focus of controversy because of a court decision.
On the 21st, the European Court of Justice ruled on the appeal filed by A22 Sports (the operator of the European Super League) against FIFA and UEFA for alleged monopoly, ruling that FIFA and UEFA have the right to review matches between clubs (such as the Super League) in violation of EU law, and they cannot punish the clubs involved in the organization and establishment of these events.
In April 2021, 12 top European football clubs announced the establishment of the European Super League, but under pressure and opposition from all sides, the six Premier League clubs Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal took the lead in withdrawing, and most other clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Milan and Juventus also withdrew, but Real Madrid and Barcelona still insisted. A22 Sports later took FIFA and UEFA to the Spanish Economic Court, arguing that the two organizations had acted in violation of EU law. The Spanish Economic Court in turn referred the case to the European Court of Justice, which ultimately rendered its judgment.
The headquarters of the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. **From the official European Court of Justice**. "FIFA and UEFA's right to review matches between clubs, such as the Premier League, is contrary to EU law, the law of the game and the freedom to provide services," the European Court said in a statement. FIFA and UEFA require football matches between clubs to be approved by them first, which is against the law, and there is no framework to guarantee that FIFA and UEFA regulations are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and appropriate. Similarly, given the importance of these matches to EU spectators, consumers and**, FIFA and UEFA regulations give them some privileges to control the exploitation of these match-related rights, which is also illegal. ”
The European Court of Justice has found that the competition between clubs and the exploitation of ** rights are normal economic behaviors, which can exist as long as they comply with the law of the competition and the freedom of circulation. The European Court of Justice alleges that FIFA and UEFA abused their decision-making positions. "The existence of the Super League does not need to be reviewed. The courts searched through FIFA and UEFA regulations and found no basis to support their measures. Similarly, the Court held that FIFA and UEFA regulations on the exploitation and exploitation of rights harmed European football clubs, companies in the market sector, consumers and television viewers, preventing them from having access to new, creative and interesting games. ”
*From the official website of UEFA As soon as the verdict came out, Real Madrid and Barcelona clubs, which have been insisting on promoting the establishment of the European Super League, immediately expressed their "satisfaction" with the verdict. Real Madrid president Florentino issued a statement saying: "The club has the right to propose and promote European competitions that will modernize our sport and attract fans around the world. Today, football and its fans are victorious. ”
Barça FC said: "This verdict paves the way for a new top-flight football competition in Europe. ”
A22 Sports' CEO Leckhardt even made a high-profile announcement: "We have won the right to compete, and UEFA's nearly 70-year monopoly is over." ”
Compared with these sporadic support voices, there are still a lot of criticisms of the European Super League from international sports organizations, national (regional) football associations, and major leagues in Europe.
FIFA and UEFA, as the parties directly involved, naturally could not sit still.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "The utmost respect to the European Court of Justice, but in reality, today's verdict does not really change anything. Historically, we've been organizing the best competitions in the world, and we will continue to do so in the future. ”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Cao Can UEFA said in an official statement: "This ruling does not mean that the so-called European Super League is recognized ......We are committed to upholding the structure of the European football pyramid and ensuring that it continues to serve the wider interests of society. ”
The European Club Association (ECA) said: "The world of football has long since emerged from the events of the European Super League and gradual reforms will continue. Above all, football is a social contract, not a legal contract – and all stakeholders in European and world football – including federations, associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans – are more united than ever against a small number of individuals seeking to undermine the foundations and fundamental principles of European football for their own personal intentions. ”
Premier League officials issued a sternly worded statement on the same day, saying that they continued to reject any concept similar to the European Super League. The United Kingdom has even reported that it is considering introducing a law to ban Premier League teams from participating in European Super League competitions.
A number of clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, have also issued statements afterwards expressing their support for the existing competition system.
In addition to the Premier League, other major European leagues such as La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 have also taken a clear stand against the establishment of the European Super League.
Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation, has even publicly stated that any Italian club that joins the UEFA Super League will be expelled from the Italian football system.