The Bill: Real Madrid and Super League Demand Over $4 Billion in Damages from UEFA Court Ruling

The legal battle between the Super League and European football’s governing body, UEFA, has reached a new and explosive stage. Real Madrid and the project’s promoters, A22 Sports Management, are seeking more than $4 billion in damages from UEFA, accusing the organization of unfairly obstructing the breakaway competition since its controversial introduction in 2021.

This massive financial claim comes after a string of legal victories for the Super League project across Spain and Europe, strengthening its position against UEFA’s long-standing dominance over club football competitions.

The demand for compensation is based on two landmark rulings. The first came in December 2023, when the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that UEFA’s ban on the Super League was contrary to European competition law. The second involved a series of Spanish court decisions that found FIFA and UEFA guilty of abusing their dominant positions and restricting free competition. Most recently, a Madrid court dismissed UEFA’s appeal, reinforcing the Super League’s legal argument.

A22 Sports Management, the company driving the Super League initiative, stated that UEFA’s refusal to consider “reforms” or “compromise” left them with no choice but to seek damages. The organization emphasized that UEFA’s actions had caused significant financial harm to clubs and stakeholders involved in the project.

Real Madrid, one of the Super League’s strongest supporters, welcomed the rulings, declaring that UEFA had “seriously infringed upon the European Union’s free competition rules.” The Spanish club reaffirmed its commitment to “working for the good of global football” while pursuing full financial restitution.

UEFA, however, has defended its position, insisting that the recent rulings do not validate the defunct 2021 Super League plan. In a statement, UEFA clarified that the decision “does not undermine UEFA’s current authorisation rules,” updated in 2022 and 2024, which ensure that any future cross-border competitions are evaluated based on transparent and objective standards.

The result of the UEFA Court Ruling Super League Damages case could have far-reaching financial and structural consequences for European football, potentially altering the balance of power between clubs, associations, and governing bodies for years to come.