He Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) estimated this Thursday that UEFA rules relating to the authorization of others tournaments such as the European Super Leaguewhich would be an alternative to the current Champions League, They were in violation of the law on the protection of market competition.

“Rules International Football Federation (FIFA) and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that any project for a new club football competition, such as the Super League, is subject to prior approvaland prohibit clubs and players from participating in it, under the threat of sanctions, “They are illegal,” said the statement of this court. based in Luxembourg.

Chronology of the failed European Super League, a project that almost changed football

The CJEU, which rules on FIFA and UEFA rules that were in force in 2021. year, at the time when the procedure was initiated, estimates that The powers of these two organizations are not accompanied by “criteria that guarantee their transparency”.objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate”, which is why he believes that they are “abusing their ruling position”.

However, it is necessary to This does not mean that the Super League project “must necessarily be authorized”pointing out that we are talking about FIFA and UEFA rules in general, and not about this “specific project”.

“UEFA’s monopoly has ended. “Soccer is free,” reacted Bernd Reichart on the X social network.head of A22, the promoter of the Super League.

The threat of partial secession of the most powerful clubs, who dream of a lucrative model similar to the North American indoor championships, while they want to continue in the current national leagues, they have been planning European football for two decades.

In April 2021, twelve major clubs announced their own private competitionwith huge commercial potential, anticipating the announcement of the reform of the Champions League prepared by UEFA.

Struck by surprise, UEFA and FIFA have threatened significant sanctions.

Strong opposition from the fan section and a large organized struggle, especially in England, soon led to nine clubs in the project publicly giving up on continuing in it. The ‘rebellion’ was suppressed in less than 48 hours.

Two years later, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are still not giving up on the idea of ​​this competition alternative. (D)