UEFA and FIFA's opposition to the proposed £4.6 billion European Super League has suffered a major blow after a German court ruled it illegal for governing bodies to prevent clubs and players from joining rival competitions.
The ruling, delivered by the Higher Regional Court of Nuremburg, used a precedent set by a European General Court decision last month involving the International Skating Union. The case centred on a new wrestling competition in Germany, but legal experts say it closely mirrors the situation in European football, where clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United are pushing for a breakaway league.
The proposed Super League would include 15 permanent founder members and five annual qualifiers, divided into two groups of 10. Founder members would receive up to £310 million to join and as much as £213 million from competing. Six English clubs—likely Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur—are expected to be among the founders, alongside three from Spain, three from Italy, two from Germany and one from France.
FIFA and UEFA had threatened to ban participating clubs from competitions like the Champions League and World Cup, and players from international tournaments. However, the Nuremburg court's decision, supported by competition lawyer Mark Orth of MEOlaw, weakens their position. 'With these judgements the position of clubs and players has improved because it puts them on a more equal footing with the governing bodies,' Orth said.
The league, backed by investment bank JP Morgan Chase, would generate huge revenues and help offset losses from the Covid-19 pandemic. Critics claim it would 'destroy' English football by creating a virtually closed shop.
