Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus to pursue European Super League after court victory.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are to pursue the Super League after a victory in court.
The three European powerhouses failed to pull out of plans in April after the other nine clubs involved in the scheming admitted defeat after fan outrage at the proposal.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all apologised and left the project, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Italian pair AC and Inter Milan.
In a statement on the clubs’ respective websites, it read: “FC Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid CF welcome today’s Court’s decision enforcing, with immediate effect, UEFA’s obligation to unwind the actions taken against all European Super League founding clubs, including terminating the disciplinary proceedings against the undersigning three clubs and removing the penalties and restrictions imposed on the remaining nine founding clubs for them to avoid UEFA’s disciplinary action.
“The Court backs the request made by the promoters of the European Super League, dismisses UEFA’s appeal, and confirms its warning to UEFA that failure to comply with its ruling shall result in fines and potential criminal liability,” it continued before slamming the governing body that has attempted to punish the clubs who were involved.
“The case will be assessed by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, which shall review UEFA’s monopolistic position over European football.
“We have the duty to address the very serious issues facing football: UEFA has established itself as the sole regulator, exclusive operator, and unique owner of rights of European football competitions.
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“This monopolistic position, in conflict of interest, is damaging football and its competitive balance.
“As shown by ample evidence, financial controls are inadequate, and they have been improperly enforced. Clubs participating in European competitions have the right to govern their own competitions.”
With a reformed Champions League the main criticism, the statement also blasted: “We are pleased that going forward we will no longer be subject to ongoing UEFA’s threats.”
“Our aim is to keep developing the Super League project in a constructive and cooperative manner, always counting on all football stakeholders: fans, players, coaches, clubs, leagues, and national and international associations.
“We are aware that there are elements of our proposal that should be reviewed and, of course, can be improved through dialogue and consensus. We remain confident in the success of a project that will be always compliant with European Union laws.