Real Madrid is reportedly seeking up to $4.6bn (€4bn) in damages from UEFA following a ruling by a Madrid court over the failed European Super League (ESL).
UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga appealed a December 2023 ruling which found UEFA had “seriously infringed” EU competition law, a case bought amid Real Madrid’s strong backing of the ESL.
The Provincial Court of Madrid sided with Real Madrid and upheld the Court of Justice of the European Union’s (CJEU) finding that UEFA’s attempt to block the planned 2021 European Super League fell foul of the rules.
The EU’s free competition rules prohibit restrictions on competition, such as authorities’ abuse of dominant market positions, as well as ensuring fair market conditions remain intact.
UEFA “abused its dominant position” according to the Provincial Court of Madrid despite UEFA altering its initial rules in 2022 to previously block the ESL to comply with EU free competition rules.
“Real Madrid C.F. welcomes the decision of the Audiencia Provincial dismissing the appeals formulated by UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga. The ruling confirms UEFA seriously breached European Union competition law in the Super League case, in line with the ruling of the CJEU, by abusing their dominant position,” said in a club statement.
“This judgment paves the way for substantial claims to compensate for the damages suffered by the club.”
In a statement following Real Madrid’s, UEFA stressed the ruling “does not validate the abandoned ‘super league’”, and said it confirms the legitimacy of its current rules governing breakaway competitions.
Despite Real Madrid’s claim of a legal victory, its hopes of a renewed push for the ESL have been dealt another significant blow..
The European Parliament recently backed a new resolution which opposes the creation of ‘breakaway competitions’, arguing they threaten the integrity of domestic leagues and the wider football pyramid across Europe.
What does a Super League look like in 2025?
In 2021, Real Madrid were one of 12 European football clubs which announced their intention to breakaway from their respective leagues to form the ESL.
However, the project collapsed amid UEFA and FIFA opposition and widespread fan protests, prompting almost all clubs to withdraw. Real Madrid has remained the most vocal supporter of a breakaway model.
In 2024, A22 Sports Management – the company behind the original ESL – unveiled a revised proposal called the Unify League. The concept introduces a sporting merit qualification system rather than a closed format, with a four-tier competition structure featuring promotion and relegation.
It also includes plans for a global streaming platform offering free, ad-free match broadcasts. Despite these amendments, only Real Madrid and FC Barcelona publicly support the Unify League, and in recent weeks, reports out of Spain suggest FC Barcelona are prepared to back out.
