• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The European Super League Inches Closer to Reality, Legally

  • A Spanish court says FIFA and UEFA have ‘abused their dominant position.’
  • The soccer governing bodies are still claiming victory, despite the legal ruling.
Jul 30, 2022; Pasadena California, USA; Real Madrid defender Eder Militao (3) celebrates after scoring a goal against Juventus in the first half during an international friendly at the Rose Bowl.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The prospect of a European Super League taking form has received further legal support through a new ruling in a Spanish court. But the highly debated venture remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The Madrid Commercial Court No. 17 ruled on Monday that FIFA and UEFA must cease any “anti-competitive conduct” that would preclude the formation of rival, pan-European leagues such as the ESL, and that the two governing bodies “have abused their dominant position … and are preventing free competition in the market by imposing unjustified and disproportionate restrictions” on clubs. 

The decision follows a similar ruling in December by the European Court of Justice. Described as the first application of the legal framework of that prior case, the decision is enforceable across the European Union.

“The era of the monopoly is now definitely over,” said Bernd Reichart, chief executive of A22 Sports Management, a company formed to aid the development of the ESL and the entity that brought the case against UEFA, FIFA, LaLiga, and the Spanish soccer federation. “We look forward to continuing our dialogue with clubs of all sizes to improve club football at [the] international level to make it more accessible and compelling for fans.”

But not so fast, say FIFA and UEFA. Despite the apparent victory for the prospect of the ESL, the two organizations said the ruling does not explicitly endorse the formation of the new league. The Premier League is not subject to the ruling due to the U.K.’s Brexit move to leave the European Union. 

“The court has not given the green light to, nor has it approved, projects like the Super League,” UEFA said. “In fact, [Judge Sofía Gil García] has asserted that the Super League project has long been abandoned and that she cannot be expected to rule on any abstract projects.”

A New Day for FIFA, UEFA

Both FIFA and UEFA, however, have something of a history of asserting success even in the face of adverse developments, such as EA Sports’ departure as a major FIFA commercial licensee. The video game developer successfully created its own soccer game franchise, despite FIFA’s strident claim in 2022 that the “only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans.”

FIFA also has been forced to adjust to a new commercial reality elsewhere, as a recent legal settlement is likely to help enable European pro leagues playing regular-season matches outside of their home territories—something FIFA previously resisted.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jenny Just

Austin FC Co-Owner: Teach Your Daughters to Play Poker

She calls poker a “mind sport” like chess that teaches important life skills.
April 27, 2025; Anfield, Liverpool, BRITAIN; Liverpool player Mohamed Salah scores the fourth goal against the Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League match.

Tottenham Hotspur Gets $134M Amid Hot Start to Season

The team recently rejected three takeover offers, declaring it is not for sale.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates a made shot as Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks on during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.
October 10, 2025

Aces Win WNBA Title, Starting Offseason of Uncertainty

The Aces won their third trophy in four years.
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome
opinion
October 12, 2025

Clippers’ Aspiration Fiasco Recalls Another Doomed NBA Sponsorship

The Kawhi controversy has shades of the still-recent FTX scandal.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Athlos
October 10, 2025

Track Start-Up Athlos Makes ‘Millions’ but No Profit Yet

Alexis Ohanian called being profitable by the 2028 Olympics a “great goal.”
Cheryl Reeve
October 10, 2025

WNBA Officiating Task Force Still Taking Shape After Outcry

How refs are trained and instructed was a major issue this year.
Aug 3, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver talks to International Basketball Federation board member Mark Tatum in the fourth quarter between the United States and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
October 9, 2025

NBA Aims for Drama-Free Return to China After 6-Year Hiatus

The league looks to rebuild its presence in the populous country.
Bad Bunny performs on stage for his “Most Wanted Tour” at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 11, 2024.
October 9, 2025

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA to Run Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show

Group announces “The All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8.