Following a recent legal ⁣victory for the Super League’s proponents, Real Madrid is reportedly preparing a damages claim exceeding‌ €4 billion ​against UEFA.The claim, according too ⁢a report in ⁢the Financial Times, stems from losses incurred due to UEFA’s blocking of the Super League plans in 2021.
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Background: The Super League Controversy

​ ⁤ ​In april ⁢2021, twelve European football clubs – including Real Madrid,‍ FC⁢ Barcelona, and Juventus ⁢ – announced⁣ the formation of a breakaway Super League. The proposed league aimed ⁣to​ guarantee top clubs permanent places and significantly increased revenue.

The announcement sparked widespread condemnation from fans, governing bodies (including⁢ UEFA and national football associations), and ⁣politicians. UEFA and‍ FIFA‍ threatened to ban participating clubs and players ⁢from all⁣ competitions. ⁢ Within days, ten of the twelve clubs⁢ withdrew following intense pressure. Real Madrid,Barcelona,and⁤ Juventus remained committed to the‌ project.
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The Legal Challenge and Recent ruling

⁤ the ​remaining⁤ Super League clubs challenged UEFA’s actions in the ⁣courts,arguing that UEFA ​had abused its dominant position ⁢in European⁣ football. In December 2023, the⁣ European Court of Justice (ECJ) ⁢ruled that UEFA’s rules preventing the creation of alternative⁣ football competitions were contrary to EU law.
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​ ⁢ The ECJ ruling did not endorse the Super League itself, but it⁣ invalidated UEFA’s prior ​veto power over such projects. The ⁢court stated that UEFA’s rules were an unlawful restriction ‌of⁤ competition. This ruling ‌paved the way for the Super League promoters to revive their plans, albeit potentially in a modified⁤ form.

details of Real ‍Madrid’s Claim

​ ​ According to the Financial ‍Times report, Real Madrid estimates ⁢its losses due to ⁤the blocked‍ Super League ⁣at between €4.5 ​billion and €4.7 billion. This ⁣figure reportedly includes lost revenue from ⁢broadcasting rights,sponsorship deals,and potential matchday income. ‌ The club believes that ⁣UEFA’s actions deliberately undermined the Super League project and caused significant⁤ financial ⁢harm.
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The claim is expected to ​be complex and coudl involve extensive⁣ legal proceedings. UEFA is likely to contest the claim‍ vigorously, arguing that its ⁤actions were