Real Madrid and Super League demand €4.5 billion in compensation from UEFA
Real Madrid and the Super League company (A22 Sports Management) have filed a lawsuit against UEFA, demanding €4.5 billion in compensation for alleged abuse of power and anti-competitive behavior, following a court ruling that favored the Super League.
They claim the amount is meant to cover the “significant financial and emotional damages” suffered since UEFA banned the Super League project in 2021.
This move comes shortly after the Madrid Regional Court dismissed UEFA’s appeal, upholding the earlier decision that UEFA had “abused its dominant position” by threatening to punish clubs involved in the Super League.
Real Madrid and A22 argue they lost potential revenue of up to €4.5 billion, citing previous rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which confirmed that no organization has the right to unfairly restrict competition.
In an internal statement, Real Madrid emphasized: “This decision paves the way for substantial damage claims,” while accusing UEFA of using negotiations as “a stalling tactic to maintain its monopoly.”
The original Super League plan in 2021 proposed a closed competition featuring 20 clubs, including 15 permanent members such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus. However, the project collapsed within 72 hours due to widespread criticism and fan opposition.
In December 2024, A22 relaunched the concept under the name Unify League, promoting an open competition model with promotion and relegation to comply with European competition laws. Real Madrid remains the most enthusiastic supporter, arguing that UEFA’s current system “prevents innovation and financial sustainability” in European football.