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E-mail Xinhua, December 22, 2023
In this undated file photo, the European Union flags in front of EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
The European Court of Justice announced in Luxembourg on Thursday that the FIFA and UEFA rules on prior approval of interclub football competitions, such as the European Super League, are contrary to EU law.
But the European Union's highest court also added, "that does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved".
In April, 2021, 12 top European football clubs, including six English Premier League sides, announced plans to break away from their domestic competitions to join a new European Super League, but plans for the new league fell apart within days after heavy criticism from other clubs and fans, as well as condemnation from UEFA, FIFA and even national governments.
According to the ECJ, because FIFA and UEFA objected to the project, threatening to impose sanctions on clubs and players who might decide to participate, the European Superleague Company brought a lawsuit against FIFA and UEFA before Madrid's Commercial Court, which in turn referred questions to the Court of Justice.
The Court said that the organization of interclub football competitions must comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, as they were economic activities. "FIFA and UEFA are, therefore, abusing a dominant position," it ruled.
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