Title: The Super League's Battle against UEFA's Monopoly: Behind the Scenes
Confidence is high amongst the organizers of the Super League as they await the decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in their dispute with UEFA. Set to rule on the matter tomorrow, the court's decision will potentially determine whether the market for European competitions will be opened up, allowing clubs to gain control over their own competitions, as suggested by Bernd Reichart, the driving force behind the plans for the Super League and head of A22's sports project development.
"We are deeply optimistic about the European legal system," Reichart told the German Press Agency. "This ruling will be a significant turning point because we will discover if the market will finally be opened up. If the ECJ allows the clubs to attain sovereignty over their competitions, such as the Champions League, then they will undoubtedly play a role in this development," he said, expressing conviction that the clubs will gain this control.
Originally conceived by 12 top European clubs, excluding any German participation, in April 2021, the Super League was initially planned as a permanent competition challenging the existing UEFA Champions League. However, following strong opposition from leagues, associations, and fans, the creators of the Super League reconsidered their strategy and decided to create an open competition with 60 to 80 teams across various divisions.
"There's a growing understanding among us that there's a problem that needs our attention. It's clear in Germany, too, that the Champions League is contributing to the repeated Champions League victories in different European countries. The Champions League, with its annual qualifiers, is fueling divisions within national leagues, with Germany being a prime example. Clubs are saying this might be our only chance to promote significant reforms—they'll keep their fingers crossed for us, but quietly." Reichart (49) explained.
Relevant Insights:
- Proposed European League Open Competition: The revised Super League plans feature an open competition with 60 to 80 teams in several divisions, driving for more fairness and competition within European soccer.
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As EU leaders and the European Parliament listen closely to the Super League development to avoid potentially violating EU sports policy or antitrust regulations, intermediate negotiations between UEFA and the Super League creators have taken place in Luxembourg. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin expressed concern about the potential impact of the Super League on European club soccer.
"There are clubs who believe that the Super League might be the sole solution for fundamental reforms. They believe we'll keep our fingers crossed for you, but very quietly," Reichart added.
The European Court of Justice (CJEU) ultimately ruled that UEFA's monopoly position in European football competitions was in breach of EU competition law, as UEFA's sanctions against clubs participating in the Super League constituted an unlawful restriction of competition. The court emphasized the need for UEFA to establish transparent and non-discriminatory criteria for the approval of new competitions, ensuring that the regulatory framework for inter-club football competitions is transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate.
This ruling, underscoring the importance of UEFA's exercise of power in a fair and balanced manner, could have significant implications for the European soccer landscape.
