Real Madrid Seeks Compensation from UEFA Over Super League Dispute
The European Super League controversy continues as Real Madrid demands compensation from UEFA. UEFA after a court ruling in their favor over the European Super League dispute.
“No agreement has been reached regarding more transparent governance, financial sustainability, protection of players' health...”
Real Madrid is seeking compensation from UEFA after a Spanish court ruled in their favor regarding the European Super League case. The Regional Court of Madrid dismissed appeals from UEFA, the Spanish football federation, and LaLiga, stating that UEFA had seriously infringed European Union competition rules and abused its dominant position.
The controversy dates back to 2021 when 12 top European clubs, including Real Madrid, attempted to launch a breakaway Super League. However, the project collapsed due to intense opposition from fans, governments, and football governing bodies. A recent court ruling supports Real Madrid's claims, potentially paving the way for substantial compensation from UEFA.
The European football governing body, UEFA, had previously blocked the formation of the Super League. However, in a landmark ruling in December 2023, the European Court of Justice determined that UEFA and FIFA's actions were in contravention of EU law.
A Spanish court had also ruled in favor of the Super League, ordering FIFA and UEFA to cease their opposition to the parallel competition. The court found that the governing bodies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior and abusing their dominant position in European football.
“Real Madrid welcomes the decision by the Regional Court of Madrid to dismiss the appeals lodged by UEFA, the RFEF and LALIGA, confirming that UEFA, in the matter of the Super League, seriously infringed European Union competition rules in line with the CJEU ruling, abusing its dominant position,” it said.
“This ruling paves the way for the club to claim substantial damages.”
Court Ruling and Ongoing Dispute
A Spanish judge ruled last year that FIFA and UEFA must halt their opposition to parallel European competitions, citing anti-competitive behavior and abuse of dominant position. Despite this, Real Madrid's attempts to reform UEFA through discussions have been unsuccessful, with no agreement reached on key issues such as transparent governance, financial sustainability, and fan experience.
Real Madrid is now seeking substantial damages from UEFA following a court dismissal of UEFA's appeals, which confirms UEFA's infringement of EU competition rules and abuse of dominant position. The club's president, Florentino Perez, remains committed to achieving change, potentially paving the way for a revamped European competition format.
“No agreement has been reached regarding more transparent governance, financial sustainability, protection of players' health, and improvements to the fan experience, including free and globally accessible viewing options such as those used for the FIFA Club World Cup,” it added.
“Consequently, the club announces that it will continue working for the good of global football and fans, while requesting compensation from UEFA for the substantial damages it has suffered.”
The court ruling is not yet final, as it can still be appealed to the First Chamber of the Supreme Court, which handles civil matters.
UEFA has announced that it will review the court's judgment before determining its next course of action.
“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,” UEFA said.
"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'.”
Collapse of the Super League
After six Premier League clubs pulled out, support for the Super League rapidly declined, leaving only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus still backing the breakaway competition.
Shifting Alliances
Juventus later withdrew from the Super League in July 2023, aiming to rejoin the European Club Association. This left Real Madrid and Barcelona as the only remaining supporters of the breakaway competition.
Official Announcement.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 29, 2025
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Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, recently indicated a shift in stance, stating that the club is “in favour of pacification” and open to having Super League clubs rejoin UEFA.
A22, the promoters of the proposed European Super League, has appealed to UEFA and FIFA to acknowledge their revamped competition, the Unify League. Launched in December 2024, the Unify League features a 96-club format divided into four leagues. Despite A22's efforts, the proposal has been met with resistance from prominent football bodies, including LaLiga and the Premier League, which have expressed strong opposition to the concept.
A22's proposal has garnered little support from clubs and leagues, with many criticizing its potential impact on the sport's governance and finances. The company is seeking recognition from UEFA and FIFA for its proposed competition, which it claims would address pressing issues in football, such as rising subscription costs and inadequate investment in women's football.
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