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NYON, Switzerland – In a legal battle that could shape European football for decades, at least 15 EU countries are expected to submit written submissions to the European Union Court of Justice against the rebel Super League.
Senior UEFA officials told POLITICO the countries include Spain (which has already made their submissions) and Italy (which is expected to do so) – home to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the teams who lead the ongoing legal battle of the Super League.
France, Denmark and Portugal, as well as non-EU member Iceland, have told other member countries that have backed UEFA at the highest court in Europe.
Super League clubs have complained that UEFA and FIFA, the governing bodies of European and world football, have a monopoly on the organization and authorization of international competitions.
A central theme of member countries’ submissions to the Court has been protecting the sanctity of the European model of sport – a bulwark against closed American-style sports leagues.
The submissions are not binding on the Luxembourg court, but represent an important political signal against the proposal.
During a tumultuous 48-hour period in April, the escaped Super League took off and immediately collapsed, amid a huge political and partisan backlash.
This article is part of POLITICSnew coverage of competition and industrial policy. This cover includes the Fair Play newsletter to be read every morning of the week. [email protected] to request a free trial.
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