Real Madrid will take legal action to “claim substantial damages” from UEFA after a Spanish court dismissed an appeal against a ruling that the governing body infringed free competition rules in opposing the European Super League (ESL).
UEFA, as well as the Spanish FA (RFEF) and La Liga, appealed the initial judgement from the Madrid Commercial Court 17 that they had violated European Law by banning clubs from participating in the ESL.
But the Madrid Provincial Court this morning ratified the ruling and dismissed the appeal.
Madrid, the main supporter of the breakaway league, now plan to seek compensation.
Table of Contents
Real Madrid “delighted’ by verdict
In a statement, the 15-time European champions, said: “Real Madrid C.F. is delighted that the Madrid Provincial Court has dismissed the appeals lodged by UEFA, the RFEF and LALIGA, confirming that UEFA, in the Superliga matter, seriously infringed the European Union’s free competition rules in line with the CJEU ruling by abusing its dominant position.
“This ruling opens the way to claim the substantial damages suffered by the club.”
Madrid claim they have held discussions with UEFA in a bid to improve various different aspects of the sport. They claim they will continue to do so “for the good of global football”.
The statement added: “Furthermore, Real Madrid reports that throughout 2025 it has held numerous discussions with UEFA to seek solutions, without reaching any compromise on more transparent governance, financial sustainability, protection of players’ health and improvements to the fan experience, including free and globally accessible broadcasting models as was the case at the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Accordingly, the club announces that it will continue to work for the good of global football and fans, while claiming substantial damages from UEFA.”
UEFA says ruling does not “validate Super League project”
In a statement obtained by 101 Great Goals, UEFA responded by stating: “UEFA takes note of today’s judgment by the Madrid Court of Appeal concerning the so-called ‘super league’.
“This ruling does not validate the abandoned ‘super league’ project announced in 2021, nor does it undermine UEFA’s current authorisation rules, adopted in 2022 and updated in 2024, which remain fully in force. These rules ensure that any cross-border competitions are assessed on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria.
“This development comes after the European Parliament this month adopted a landmark resolution explicitly reiterating its opposition to “breakaway competitions” as they “endanger the overall sport ecosystem”.
“UEFA will carefully review the judgment before deciding on any further steps, and will not be commenting further at this stage.
“In the meantime, UEFA remains firmly committed to the European sports model, built on sporting merit, open access, solidarity and the protection of the football pyramid. It will continue working with associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans, and public authorities to safeguard the unity of European football.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
