European Super League back on as Real Madrid and top clubs press ahead
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Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus will press ahead with plans for a European Super League after a bombshell court ruling.
In a statement on its website, Real said it welcomed a court ruling that prevents UEFA taking action against ESL founding clubs.
It added that the three clubs will still go ahead with plans for an ESL, despite the idea falling on its face earlier this year.
The Premier League clubs behind the move – Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City – were forced into grovelling apologies after fan protests.
But it is unclear if they will make the move again in light of Real's statement issued on Friday.
Real said: "Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid CF welcome today's Court's decision enforcing, with immediate effect, UEFA's obligation to unwind the actions taken against all European Super League founding clubs, including terminating the disciplinary proceedings against the undersigning three clubs and removing the penalties and restrictions imposed on the remaining nine founding clubs for them to avoid UEFA's disciplinary action.
"The Court backs the request made by the promoters of the European Super League, dismisses UEFA's appeal, and confirms its warning to UEFA that failure to comply with its ruling shall result in fines and potential criminal liability.
"The case will be assessed by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, which shall review UEFA's monopolistic position over European football.
"We have the duty to address the very serious issues facing football: UEFA has established itself as the sole regulator, exclusive operator, and unique owner of rights of European football competitions.
"This monopolistic position, in conflict of interest, is damaging football and its competitive balance. As shown by ample evidence, financial controls are inadequate, and they have been improperly enforced.
"Clubs participating in European competitions have the right to govern their own competitions.
"We are pleased that going forward we will no longer be subject to ongoing UEFA's threats.
"Our aim is to keep developing the Super League project in a constructive and cooperative manner, always counting on all football stakeholders: fans, players, coaches, clubs, leagues, and national and international associations.
"We are aware that there are elements of our proposal that should be reviewed and, of course, can be improved through dialogue and consensus.
"We remain confident in the success of a project that will be always compliant with European Union laws."
The club did not give a timeframe for when it wanted to form the ESL.
- Real Madrid FC
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