In a decision hailed as potentially revolutionary, the European Court of Justice (CJEU) has ruled that the rules of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) requiring pre-approval for football competitions such as the Super League violate EU laws. The ruling deemed these policies illegal as they obstruct clubs and players’ participation in contests like the Super League, marking a historic turn of events. Observers await the court’s detailed reasons to comprehend the decision’s implications better.
Responses following the verdict have been predictably polarized, with previous critics maintaining their stance and those hoping for this outcome finding fresh grounds to envision a radical evolution of football that diverges from the current structure.
Downplaying the Super League aspirations, Qatar Sports Investments chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi who also helms the European Club Association and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), voiced his pride for the UEFA Champions League. His views reflect the structure’s inherent appeal, attributed not only to economic growth but also to its embedding within the global fan identity, symbolized by its iconic anthem.
In contrast, concerns have been echoed that the allure of the Champions League can be a double-edged sword for many clubs. To underscore this, Bernd Reichart opined, “So many clubs complain that the reward for getting into the Champions League is poisoned. You arrive, lose matches, and within three months, you are back at home without time to establish yourself at a European level.
Villarreal, a club that languished as a Champions League semi-finalist, but is most likely going to be on the sidelines next year, embodies this predicament. This scenario could potentially amplify the attraction of the Super League for mid-tier teams, which struggle to secure a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals. Given an established status, these clubs could find a prolonged presence in the Super League’s second tier, Gold League, appealing. The collateral damage of the Super League’s emergence could be inflicted on the Europa and Conference Leagues.
The ramifications of this ruling are yet to be fully comprehended, and the future of European football hangs in the balance.