Report: Madrid court hands down European Super League ruling which could impact Spurs

A Spanish judge of Madrid’s 17th court has allegedly ruled that the nine clubs who announced their withdrawal from the European Super League, including Tottenham, are still legally part of the project.

Tottenham, as well as the five other ‘big six’ clubs, were among the 12 teams who signed up for the breakaway competition.

However, all six Premier League clubs were forced to withdraw from the tournament following a wave of fan protests, with Tottenham subsequently issuing an apology to the fans for signing up to the league without consulting the supporters.

While Spurs and the other eight clubs who withdrew from the competition accepted a fine for their actions, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have continued to insist that the Super League idea is still alive.

It now looks like the three clubs have successfully taken legal action against UEFA for clamping down on the breakaway league.

The Daily Mail reports that Madrid’s 17th court has ruled that the penalty imposed on the 12 clubs must be removed while the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against Barca, Juve and Madrid should also be stopped.

The report explains that the case will now be assessed by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

According to iusport, the judge also ruled that all the clubs who signed up for the competition have not officially left.

Judge Ruiz de Lara stated: “The Superliga project continues with the participation of all the founding clubs without the resignation of any founding club with legal effects.

“The news or press releases referred to by the appellant are insufficient, as reason for its imprecision, for such purposes.”

Reacting to the development, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus released the following joint statement:

“FC Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid CF welcome today’s Court’s decision enforcing, with immediate effect, UEFA’s obligation to unwind the actions taken against all European Super League founding clubs, including terminating the disciplinary proceedings against the undersigning three clubs and removing the penalties and restrictions imposed on the remaining nine founding clubs for them to avoid UEFA’s disciplinary action.

“The Court backs the request made by the promoters of the European Super League, dismisses UEFA’s appeal, and confirms its warning to UEFA that failure to comply with its ruling shall result in fines and potential criminal liability.

“The case will be assessed by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, which shall review UEFA’s monopolistic position over European football.

“We have the duty to address the very serious issues facing football: UEFA has established itself as the sole regulator, exclusive operator, and unique owner of rights of European football competitions. This monopolistic position, in conflict of interest, is damaging football and its competitive balance.

“As shown by ample evidence, financial controls are inadequate, and they have been improperly enforced. Clubs participating in European competitions have the right to govern their own competitions.

“We are pleased that going forward we will no longer be subject to ongoing UEFA’s threats. Our aim is to keep developing the Super League project in a constructive and cooperative manner, always counting on all football stakeholders: fans, players, coaches, clubs, leagues, and national and international associations.

“We are aware that there are elements of our proposal that should be reviewed and, of course, can be improved through dialogue and consensus. We remain confident in the success of a project that will be always compliant with European Union laws.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given that the British government have said that they are ready to bring in legislation that would stop the six clubs from leaving, I do not see the six English clubs joining the Super League irrespective of the ruling of the European Court of Justice.

However, the six clubs have potentially got themselves into a pickle by signing on to the competition as there is a substantial fine stipulated for not honouring the agreement.

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