Real Madrid, Barcelona & Juventus have released a joint statement praising a court decision to end UEFA’s disciplinary proceedings against them.
The three teams have remained adamant that a Super League is best for football, despite the other founding members – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter, Juventus and Atletico Madrid – all pulling out following immense fan backlash.
UEFA have warned the three remaining sides that they will be subject to severe punishments if they continue to try and form their own league, including financial sanctions and bans from competing in other competitions, but a court has now ruled in favour of Real, Barcelona and Juventus, and they couldn’t be happier.
“FC 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,” a statement on Juventus’ official website read.
“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 three teams have always insisted that the Super League was never meant to be a rebel, breakaway league, but rather a new format which could work alongside UEFA’s existing structures – something the European governing body ruled out almost immediately.
They seem determined to keep the plan alive, despite the fact no other clubs on the face of the planet want anything to do with it whatsoever.
