• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

The Super League Rises Again: Wins Legal Battle Against FIFA, UEFA

  • Europe’s top court finds UEFA, FIFA to be “abusing a dominant position.”
  • ESL is already offering three years of guaranteed income to participating clubs.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

A new, uncertain, and financially driven era for European soccer is set to begin as a court ruled that the European Super League can proceed—and that FIFA and UEFA restrictions against it were “unlawful.”

The European Court of Justice, the continent’s top court, said that the governing bodies’ efforts to expel ESL clubs and participating players from their own competitions represented an illegal monopoly under European competition law. 

“FIFA and UEFA are abusing a dominant position,” the court said. 

The ruling marks the most dramatic step in what has been an unlikely comeback for a project previously thought to be dead. The original ESL proposal faded in 2021 in the face of heated public criticism across Europe. But La Liga rivals FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have quietly spent more than two years in an extended legal effort to revive it, successfully arguing that FIFA and UEFA engaged in anticompetitive behavior. 

“We’ve won the right to compete,” said Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22 Sports Management, a company formed to aid the development of the ESL and a co-claimant in the case. “UEFA’s monopoly is over. Football is free. Now, the clubs won’t suffer threats and punishments. They’re free to decide their own future.” 

A New Competition Structure

Just hours after the court ruling, the ESL unveiled plans for a three-league, 64-team men’s competition and a two-league, 32-club women’s competition. Those structures are aimed at replacing the UEFA Champions League and would include promotion and relegation between those leagues, with initial access based on domestic league performance.

But several top European clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich, as well as the European Club Association and various supporters’ groups, quickly issued statements in support of UEFA and the Champions League and dismissing the new ESL.

“This does not change FC Bayern’s and the ECA’s position that such a competition would be an attack on the importance of national leagues and the structure of European football,” said Jan Christian Dreesen, Bayern Munich CEO and vice chair of the European Club Association. “We are committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA.”

The question now is whether the potential riches of the ESL will ultimately prove too good to ignore. Barca and Real Madrid are set to receive more than $1 billion each from a revived ESL, and A22 is already touting the prospect of income guarantees during the first three years of competition, though other crucial details have yet to be disclosed.

“It is a project that will bring financial sustainability for all clubs, and first and foremost, one which will protect the players and excite fans across the globe,” said Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. “We are at the dawn of a new era.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

UEFA Delays Overseas Matches Ruling As LaLiga Miami Game Looms

Barcelona-Villarreal is scheduled for late December at Hard Rock Stadium.
Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports camera station before the game between the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field.

Lachlan Murdoch on Fox’s Sports Strategy, FanDuel Plans

The executive calls a forthcoming streaming bundle with ESPN “essential” for fans.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF forward Kylian Mbappe (9) reacts after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

CVC Builds Out Sports Division Amid Crowded PE Market

The firm’s sports portfolio is reportedly worth $13.6 billion.
exclusive

Zohran Mamdani Blasts World Cup Ticket Prices: ‘FIFA Is Becoming the Scalper’

The NYC mayoral candidate wants FIFA to cap resale prices at face value.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.