European Super League dealt blow by Court of Justice

FIFA and UEFA have received support from the European Court of Justice regarding their feud with European Super League organizers. Legal advisor Athanasios Rantos officially insisted that the court allow the two governing bodies of the sport to block the formation of the Super League.

In his report, Rantos claimed that the failed league should adhere to laws established by FIFA and UEFA. These rules are put into place to disallow organizers from forming their own breakaway league. This is particularly true if leagues are directly competing with the two organizations.

UEFA happy with advisor’s opinion

As expected, UEFA enjoyed the decision. “UEFA welcomes today’s unequivocal Opinion of Advocate General Rantos, which is an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid,” the organization said in an official statement.

“The opinion reinforces the central role of federations in protecting the sport, upholding fundamental principles of sporting merit and open access across our members, as well as uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.”

“Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposed to the European Super League, or any such breakaway proposals, which would threaten the entire European sports ecosystem.”

Super League not dead despite Court of Justice ruling

The actual case, however, is not over just yet. Rantos’s decision is merely a suggestion by an expert legal advisor to the court. The case between FIFA/UEFA and the Super League is currently ongoing. An official ruling on the case is not coming until the spring. Nevertheless, the announcement by Rantos on Thursday will surely boost the sport’s governing bodies.

Super League organizers attempted the all-star breakaway league in 2021. Plans, however, quickly fell through as fans from all over the continent raged at the move. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus have held on to their hopes of reforming the league, though.

The failed league claimed back in October that they are still planning to reintroduce the competition by 2024. However, the court’s ruling next spring will have a major impact on these plans.

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