February 1 – The rebel European Super League clubs have received a boost after a Madrid-based court restored an injunction to stop UEFA sanctions.
Madrid’s high court restored an injunction to protect clubs attempting to establish the new competition from UEFA sanctions. Reacting to the ruling, A22 in a statement expressed their confidence again in their quest to explore a new competition and engaging with stakeholders “free from threats and other obstructive steps taken by Uefa and other bodies.”
A22 added that the measures taken by UEFA and FIFA constitute “obstacles typical of closed and anachronistic models that are not in line with free competition and the principle of freedom of enterprise that prevails in Europe.”
Bernd Reichart, A22 chief executive, said: “We welcome the fact that this court decision allows A22 to freely continue the project of creating a new and exciting European football competition.
“It confirms that UEFA’s monopoly position cannot be used to pressure or threaten clubs, players or companies willing to innovate and invigorate competition in professional football. We will therefore continue our dialogue with football stakeholders in a new and more appropriate environment, free from threats and other obstructive steps taken by UEFA and other bodies.”
A22 claim to have spoken to 50 clubs across about the relaunch of a European Super League after a 2021 launch backfired spectacularly and imploded within the space of 48 hours. A22 still believes that clubs will be ready to desert UEFA at a moment’s notice, but for all the bluster and the new Madrid High Court ruling, the future of European football and the Super League will depend on the final ruling of the European Court of Justice.
However, the opinion of advocate general firmly sided with UEFA and declared that the rules applied by UEFA and FIFA are compatible with EU competition law. The Court is expected to follow the opinion of the advocate general.
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