Super League Clubs Accuse UEFA of Soccer Monopoly

FIFA and UEFA are facing a legal battle in Europe’s top court against the European Super League — a breakaway league that believes the two governing bodies breached competition law. 

The battle comes after 12 top-flight soccer teams announced plans in April 2021 to create the Super League. The idea was met with public outcry, leading most teams — except Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid — to distance themselves from the venture. 

• FIFA and UEFA threatened clubs and players with expulsion from their competitions.
• At issue are media rights, which would be split among members of the Super League.
• In response, the Super League vowed to distribute $321 million to clubs outside the breakaway league. 

The Super League — established under Spanish law — is seeking approval by the European Court of Justice to continue with its plan, which is hampered by a Spanish ruling. 

In April, a Spanish court ruled that UEFA and FIFA could sanction Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid if they followed through with their plans to join the Super League. The unfavorable decision overturned a previous ruling that protected clubs from sanctions by FIFA and UEFA. 

Major Implications 

The court battle between UEFA, FIFA, and the Super League has major implications for entities outside soccer.

On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the PGA Tour is being investigated by the Department of Justice over anticompetitive behavior as it competes with the LIV Golf Invitational Series. At issue are regulations regarding player participation in non-PGA events.