RM are set to SUE UEFA over ESL backlash after court dismisses appeal

Spanish giants Real Madrid are set to sue UEFA over the fallout of the failed Super League development, the club has revealed.

Back in April 2021, the football world was hit by a dramatic bombshell when Madrid, alongside 11 other European clubs, announced their plans to form the European Super League.

It triggered backlash from fan groups, including several in England as supporters protested outside their clubs' grounds before they eventually all pulled out.

Madrid, though, have maintained their desire to make the competition happen, with organisers sharing fresh proposals in 2023, with 64 teams pitched for the competition.

There have been few developments, however, since the Court of Justice of the European Union stated in 2023 that the blocking of the competitions went against EU law.

Now, though, Madrid, spearheaded by Florentino Perez, have said that Madrid regional court Audencia Provincial has dismissed appeals from football governing bodies including UEFA, essentially confirming the previous ruling that UEFA abused its position. The club have announced they are set to seek damages.

'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 began. '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.

'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.'

It continued: '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.'

UEFA, meanwhile, issued their own statement. It read: 'UEFA takes note of today's judgment by the Madrid Court of Appeal concerning the so-called "Super League'.

'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.'