Real Madrid is currently engaged in an unprecedented legal battle against UEFA. The club is demanding triple damages following a recent victory in the Madrid Provincial Court. On the ESL’s legality, the court ruled that UEFA had indeed abused its dominant position. This new league was championed by a breakaway of twelve clubs in April 2021. Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid and the ESL’s strongest supporter, received… He sees this legal victory as a shot in the arm for their position in the still-ongoing negotiations with UEFA.
Since the start of 2025, Real Madrid has participated in several discussions with UEFA to find solutions related to the European Super League. Even though UEFA and FIFA killed the original proposal after a torrent of fan backlash, the Spanish club is still insistent. Specifically, it is hell-bent on following through on its vision of a unified all-league structure. The recent ruling by the Court of Justice for the European Union (CJEU) has given new life to Real Madrid’s assertions. It ruled that UEFA’s previous actions to prevent the ESL breach EU law.
Background on the European Super League
Real Madrid was one of the twelve founding clubs when the European Super League was first proposed as an alternative, closed off football competition. Florentino Perez was the key figure in creating this vision to reshape European football. Enthusiasts and governing bodies such as the National Trust immediately rose up against the project, creating a furore. Within days of the announcement, it imploded in spectacular fashion.
As of December 2023, the CJEU has held that UEFA’s regulations banning the ESL violated EU laws. In turn, this ruling gave Real Madrid the legal framework to challenge UEFA and its hegemony over European football. In short, Real Madrid is pushing back — hard — on UEFA’s power to violate European Union free competition laws. They support their assertions with persuasive evidence.
The Madrid Provincial Court’s dismissal of appeals from UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and La Liga reinforced Real Madrid’s position. The judgement made clear that UEFA had, in fact, violated EU competition law by abusing its dominant position over the Superliga controversy.
“These rules ensure that any cross-border competitions are assessed on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria.” – UEFA
Ongoing Battle and Future Prospects
In ruling against UEFA, the CJEU had already established that UEFA was acting oppressively, and the Madrid court upheld this finding. UEFA argues that these legal changes do not authorize the European Super League or undermine its current rules. The sport’s governing body has long been emphatically against breakaway competitions. They argue that if it continues, the impact of these events could destabilize the entire sporting ecosystem.
Real Madrid’s pursuit for triple damages from UEFA is a key moment as a part of its litigation war so far. The club remains dedicated to making its vision of a new league structure a reality. In doing so, it’s directly, and very intentionally, upsetting the European football governance status quo. Florentino Perez vigorously argues in favor of the ESL idea. He advocates for initiatives that would make the fan experience—and that of teams—better.
Not only have these recent legal triumphs galvanized Real Madrid’s supporters, they’ve buttressed the club’s determination. Support from the CJEU ruling has offered a sturdy launching pad for additional discussions with UEFA and other international governing bodies.
Impact on European Football
The European Parliament has recently added its voice, too, formalizing its opposition and repudiating the creation of breakaway competitions. Their position signals a key worry – the loss of competitive balance, game disruption, and a decline in the quality of football. The conflict between established leagues and challengers in the form of ESL-style super leagues would seek to highlight the changes in European football today.
Real Madrid is once again cementing their grip on the footballing world. It is difficult to predict how these amendments will affect efforts to combat anti-competitive football governance in Europe. In addition to monetary damages, the club is looking for a greater sense of justice. This decision represents a further shift in the balance of power between clubs and governing bodies.
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