UEFA stands firm on European Super League but make surprising legal decision

The fallout continues regarding the European Super League proposals which rocked the sport earlier this season, with three of the founding members now set for a legal battle

UEFA will not oppose an ongoing legal battle in a Madrid court surrounding the European Super League.

But European football’s governing body remains committed to fighting any ongoing threat of a breakaway.

Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid have refused to back down after the ESL row and are still pursuing the issue through a legal challenge in Madrid.

They appear to be winning their battle against Uefa which is a hugely significant development and a worrying one for the future of football.

The Premier League ’s big six of Liverpool, Manchester United and City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea all pulled out of the ESL but, along with both Milan clubs and Atletico Madrid, had signed binding contracts.

The rebel trio will not let the matter lie and their legal action is an underlying concern for both Uefa and the other nine clubs.

This latest development could be seen as something of a climb down by Uefa who were due to respond to the court’s ruling but clearly would be reluctant to become embroiled in a long legal challenge if their actions were deemed illegal.

But they are adamant they will continue their fight against the ESL and it is understood they will suspend the outstanding fines imposed on the nine clubs of a share of income plus a combined £13m towards good causes.

The fines were also being challenged in the Madrid court and a judge suggested last month they could not be imposed.

UEFA has announced that “in the matter related to a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework in connection with the so called ‘Super League,’ the UEFA Appeals Body has declared today the proceedings null and void, as if the proceedings had never been opened”.