Unraveling the Super League Controversy: Investigators zero in on UEFA's deal with nine club powerhouses
Investigators zero in on business agreement between nine football clubs and UEFA
Heckle and Yeat Poke and Nudge Jabber Whisper Send Print Copy Link It's a cat and mouse game as a marketing agency pushes for the Super League, while UEFA holds the reins. But is it all above board? Law enforcers are breathing down UEFA's neck again.
In the trenches of the Super League saga, the Spanish Competition Authority (CNMC) has thrown down the gauntlet against UEFA. According to a statement released by the CNMC, an investigation has been launched due to allegations of a questionable agreement between UEFA and nine football powerhouses from 2021. The agreement supposedly prevented these clubs from participating in non-UEFA competitions, stirring concerns about fair competition.
The CNMC's statement points to a series of measures UEFA has reportedly taken to ensure the clubs adhere to these restrictions, which were agreed upon after the threat of expulsion from UEFA competitions. The marketing agency A22, the brains behind the European Super League for years, filed the complaint that sparked the CNMC investigation.
The investigation revolves around potential violations of competition law. The CNMC statement hints at the agreement's potential infringement of both Spanish and EU competition law. However, UEFA remains unwavering, claiming that the 2021 agreements are in accordance with Spanish and EU competition law.
European Court's Ruling: UEFA's grip on football loosens slightly
In a prior ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in December, the UEFA's prevention of rival competitions through threats of sanctions was declared illegal. The ECJ deemed UEFA's monopoly position incompatible with European competition law.
Soccer Kick it to win it The top scoring teams of the UEFA Europa League season The first attempt to establish a Super League crashed and burned in 2021. Initial advocates backtracked within days under mounting pressure from fans, sponsors, and politics. German top clubs have maintained their stance against a Super League.
Since then, A22 has been spearheading the charge for a Super League, with plans for a competition called "Unify League" submitted to UEFA and FIFA in December. A22 referenced the ECJ ruling in their argument.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- UEFA
- Football
Insights:- The ongoing investigation by the Spanish Competition Authority CNMC scrutinizes UEFA for possible violations of competition law in Spain and the EU.- The core issue is an alleged agreement between UEFA and nine football clubs that aims to prevent them from participating in rival European competitions.- If UEFA is found guilty of limiting competition, it may be a breach of Articles 1 and 2 of Spain's Competition Act.- The European Court of Justice's previous ruling in December declared UEFA's prevention of rival competitions through threats of sanctions illegal, casting doubt on UEFA's practices.- Past rulings against FIFA and UEFA for abusing their dominant market positions could weaken UEFA's stance against the Super League.
Sports enthusiasts, football fans, and competition law experts are keeping a close eye on the ongoing investigation of UEFA's deal with nine European football powerhouses. The Spanish Competition Authority (CNMC) has launched an investigation due to allegations of a questionable agreement restricting these clubs from participating in non-UEFA competitions, such as the European Super League's "Unify League". This investigation revolves around possible violations of Spanish and EU competition law, hinting at UEFA's potential infringement of fair competition in European football leagues and the UEFA Champions League.
