Four and half billion euros bombshell: Real Madrid take UEFA to court over Super League fallout

Real Madrid & A22 Sports Management the official promoters of the European Super League have filed historic €4.5 billion legal claim against UEF accusing the governing body of abuse of power and deliberate obstruction of competition in European football.

According to reports in Spain’s financial & legal press, Madrid’s legal team has completed preparations for lawsuit that demands compensation for significant financial and moral damage suffered since UEFA’s veto of the breakaway project in 2021.

From courtroom to conflict

The move follows UEFA’s defeat in Madrid provincial court which upheld earlier ruling that the body "abused its dominant position" by threatening sanctions against clubs that joined the proposed Super League.

Real Madrid and A22 claimed to have lost between €4.5 - €4.7 billion in potential revenue after the ruling opened the door to financial compensation.

Their argument is based on previous rulings by the European Court of Justice confirming that no organization can monopolize competition.

"This decision paves the way for claims for substantial damages",

Real Madrid stated in internal documen accusing UEFA of exploiting the negotiations simply to "buy time and maintain its monopoly."

The Super League reimagined

The original 2021 plan proposed 20 team closed league granting 15 permanent spots to founding club including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.

The project collapsed within 72 hour after intense public backlash.

However A22 rebranded the concept in December 2024 as the "Unify League" advocating for open participation and promotion relegation principles to comply with European competition law.

Real Madrid have remained the most vocal supporter of the initiativ arguing that UEFA’s structure "prevents innovation and financial sustainability".

What’s at stake

Analysts say the lawsuit could reshape the future of European football.

If Real Madrid and A22 win, it could:

• Weaken UEFA’s exclusive control over continental tournaments
• Allow private leagues to operate independently under EU law
• Trigger wave of structural reforms in broadcasting rights, governanc and player welfare

The numbers

• Claim amount: €4.5 billion in damages
• Court: Madrid provincial court (Commercial Chamber)
• Accusation: Abuse of dominant position, violation of EU competition law
• Plaintiffs: Real Madrid CF & A22 Sports Management
• Defendant: UEFA

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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