Spanish giants Real Madrid have issued a statement after a provincial court ruling in Spain in relation to long-running debate over plans for a European Super League
Real Madrid are looking for compensation for “substantial damages” from UEFA as the fallout from the Spanish club’s failed European Super League plans rumbles on. The Spanish club were among 12 teams to put themselves forward as founder members of the competition, only for European football’s governing body to stand in their way.
A number of Premier League clubs were also among the intended founder members, with supporters launching significant protests in 2021 when the news broke. The English sides subsequently pulled back from the proposed league, but others – including Madrid – have taken their own stance in the intervening years.
In 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued a statement indicating the rules used to block the Super League proposals went against EU law. This provides no guarantee of a Super League being set up in future, but the decision was welcomed at the time by Real Madrid and fellow La Liga side Barcelona.
Now, the club has stated that the Audencia Provincial – a regional court in Madrid – has dismissed appeals from football governing bodies including UEFA. In a statement responding to the latest development, the club pointed to the door being open for a damages claim.
“Real Madrid C.F. welcomes the decision of the Audiencia Provincial dismissing the appeals formulated by UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga,” Madrid’s statement reads. “The ruling confirms UEFA seriously breached European Union competition law in the Super League case, in line with the ruling of the CJEU, by abusing their dominant position.
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“This judgment paves the way for substantial claims to compensate for the damages suffered by the club. Real Madrid also reports that throughout 2025 extensive discussions have been held with senior UEFA officials to find ways to achieve necessary reforms, no agreement has been reached regarding more transparent governance, financial sustainability, protection of players’ health, and improvements to the fan experience, including free and globally accessible viewing options such as those used for the FIFA Club World Cup.
“Consequently, the club announces that it will continue working for the good of global football and fans, while requesting compensation from UEFA for the substantial damages it has suffered,” Madrid added.
UEFA has issued a statement of its own following the latest developments. “UEFA takes note of today’s judgment by the Madrid Court of Appeal concerning the so-called ‘super league’,” it begins.
“This ruling does not validate the abandoned ‘super league’project announced in 2021, nor does it undermine UEFA’s current authorisation rules, adopted in 2022 and updated in 2024, which remain fully in force. These rules ensure that any cross-border competitions are assessed on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria.
“This development comes after the European Parliament this month adopted a landmark resolution explicitly reiterating its opposition to “breakaway competitions” as they “endanger the overall sport ecosystem”. UEFA will carefully review the judgment before deciding on any further steps, and will not be commenting further at this stage.
“In the meantime, UEFA remains firmly committed to the European sports model, built on sporting merit, open access, solidarity and the protection of the football pyramid. It will continue working with associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans, and public authorities to safeguard the unity of European football.”
The latest development comes after Super League organisers A22 Sports shared fresh proposals for an expanded competition in 2023. It would contain 64 teams spread over three tiers, with promotion and relegation and “no permanent members”.
There has been criticism for the idea from some pundits and ex-professionals, with former Manchester United captain Gary Neville among the most vocal opponents. “It’s an absolute disgrace and we have to wrestle back the power in this country from the clubs at the top of this league. That includes my club,” he said as part of a lengthy rant in 2021.
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