UEFA, Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1 Reject Super League

The European Super League has been rejected by the English Premier League, LFP & la Liga – bodies that govern French and Spanish football leagues respectively.

A statement signed by UEFA President, Alexsander Ceferin, reads, “Football remains united. This press conference involving all stakeholders speaking together is evidence of that. We have national governments and institutions behind us.

“There is a stark contrast between the press statement and the judgement. The judgement is actually positive as it embraces the key features of the European football pyramid: open competitions, sporting merit, and solidarity.

“The ECJ has certainly not given green light nor approved project like the so-called Super League. We welcome the clarity that the ECJ has delivered today including an endorsement of pre-authorisation system and UEFA’s dual role as organising and authorising body.

“We became aware that our authorisation system was imperfect, we started to work on that in 2021 and concluded in 2022 with the decision of the UEFA Executive Committee. We are confident that our rules are fully in line with the ECJ judgement. That said we will of course review further after reading the decision in detail and see if we need to implement further changes.

“It is important to stress that the ECJ has endorsed the European sports model, based on sporting merit which can be guaranteed only if all teams enjoy a certain level of equal opportunity. It is also important to note that clubs from many countries – such as England, Germany and France – are prevented from joining a project which is outside the system.

“Of course, UEFA is free to organise its own competitions and exclusively sell the commercial rights. So any competition must fit within the system and comply with our new authorisation rules, and among other requirements must respect sporting merit, the international calendar, and solidarity. Those rules also protect UEFA’s club competitions.

“Football remains united as you see today, well protected from breakaway leagues. Football is not for sale, we showed that many times as stakeholders together. Nothing can change that.”

The statement issued by the Premier League reads, “The Premier League notes today’s judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the “European Superleague Company”, FIFA and UEFA. This is a significant ruling and we will now fully examine its implications for the game.

“The ruling does not endorse the so-called “European Super League” and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a “breakaway” competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.

“The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions.

“Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to international club competitions and the longstanding rivalries and rituals that come with weekends being reserved for domestic football.

“These principles are enshrined in the Premier League Owners’ Charter, introduced in June 2022, which aims to improve the collective strength and competitiveness of the League in the best interests of the wider game.

“Since 2021, the Premier League, alongside other football bodies, has also strengthened its rules and governance in this area.

“The Premier League will continue to engage in an open and constructive dialogue, with all relevant football stakeholders, on how best to protect and enhance the complementary balance of domestic and international club football.”