The current situation of the European Super League is marked by a crucial verdict expected from the European Court of Justice. This verdict, which will be announced on Thursday, could have significant consequences for the future of football on the continent. The central question is whether UEFA and FIFA acted against competition laws by blocking the formation of the Super League in 2021 and sanctioning the clubs involved.
The Super League, proposed in April 2021 by 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs, was seen as a direct competitor to the UEFA Champions League. However, it faced immediate backlash from fans and football’s governing bodies, leading to its collapse in less than 48 hours. Since then, only Real Madrid and Barcelona have not withdrawn from the project, with Juventus withdrawing in July.
On the other hand, the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, has reiterated his opposition to the Super League, highlighting that the Italian federation has clear regulations against participating in said competition. Furthermore, there are opinions that if the structure of European football remains the same, with an ‘open’ Champions League, there is no foreseeable damage to the Premier League product that would cause people to start tuning into La Liga or the Bundesliga more.
Ultimately, the verdict is expected to decide whether the measures taken against the rebel clubs by UEFA had «legitimate objectives» in mind and were «proportionate». The decision could significantly influence the regulation of sports competitions in Europe.