Global Football Community Stands United Against Super League Proposal

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In response to the CJEU's decision regarding the European Super League on Thursday, the global football and sports community has vehemently opposed the plans for a closed tournament, foreseeing irreversible harm to the European football industry.

LALIGA president Javier Tebas emphasized that the CJEU ruling neither approves nor endorses the Super League, clarifying that it has not received official sanction.

The football world, united in its rejection, expressed various declarations and opinions, reflecting a shared concern for the potential negative impact on a sport cherished by millions globally.

Sports Institutions

LALIGA President, Javier Tebas, asserts that European football should not be dictated solely by wealth or power, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences of the proposed Super League for clubs, jobs, and thousands of families dependent on football. Despite claims by Super League promoters that the CJEU ruling favors them, LALIGA contends that the decision doesn't mandate approval for such a project.

UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin, insists on upholding sporting merit in any new competition, expressing skepticism about the Super League's viability. The Premier League maintains its rejection of the Super League concept, citing fan opposition to a competition severing ties between domestic and European football.

The Bundesliga (DFL) underscores support for the European sports model and opposes competitions outside those organized by associations and leagues, considering national leagues as the backbone of European football. Ligue 1 expresses unequivocal support for UEFA-organized competitions, emphasizing the importance of sporting merit.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, ECA President, disputes the Super League's claim of victory, highlighting its closed nature, while Pedro Proença of European Leagues emphasizes commitment to national leagues and opposition to the Super League model.

Govermental Bodies

Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, underscores Europe's commitment to solidarity, emphasizing unwavering support for a values-driven sports model that promotes inclusion and cohesion in European football, serving the many rather than just the elite.

The UK Government, represented by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, condemns the attempted creation of a breakaway competition in English football, expressing solidarity with fans and clubs. Legislative measures are underway to establish an independent regulator, preventing future participation in similar breakaway events.

Tomasz Frankowski, MEP, echoes support for the European Sport Model, emphasizing values and solidarity, advocating for a pyramid structure and collaboration with sport federations to enhance the existing system.

Clubs

Various football clubs have reiterated their opposition to the European Super League. Atlético de Madrid stresses that the broader European football community, including major nations like Germany, France, England, Italy, and most Spanish teams (excluding Real Madrid and Barcelona), rejects the Super League.

They advocate for preserving domestic leagues and securing European competition qualification through on-field performance. Manchester United remains committed to UEFA competitions, positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA.

FC Bayern strongly opposes the Super League, viewing it as an attack on national leagues and European football's structure, affirming their commitment to strengthen rather than weaken existing structures.

PSG outright rejects the Super League, supporting the principles of the European Sports Model and emphasizing the importance of fans and players. AS Roma condemns any Super League project, asserting it would undermine national leagues and European football foundations, advocating for collaboration between clubs, ECA, UEFA, and FIFA.

SC Braga clarifies that the CJEU judgment doesn't legitimize the Super League, expressing commitment to upholding European football values through collaboration at the ECA level.

Players Association & Fan Groups

David Terrier, representing FIFpro Europe, asserts unanimous player opposition to the idea of a fragmented European football. Players reject the concept, emphasizing collaboration with all stakeholders for the collective benefit.

Ronan Evain, Executive Director of Football Supporters Europe, dismisses A22 as not representing European fans, denouncing the Super League as unrealistic and asserting that others shouldn't bear the consequences of ambitious endeavors.

The Football Supporters' Association in the UK echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the absence of a place for a breakaway super league. Fans, players, and clubs have expressed clear opposition to a manipulated competition, emphasizing the need for success earned on the pitch, not orchestrated in boardrooms.