Super League trio dealt blow in legal battle with UEFA

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus face the renewed threat of a Champions League ban over their role in driving plans for a Super League.

An injunction blocking UEFA from taking disciplinary action against the trio has been overturned by the Madrid commercial court which imposed it last year, appearing to give European football’s governing body the chance to reopen disciplinary proceedings against them.

Real, Barca and Juve have remained steadfast and unapologetic over their role in the foundation of the Super League a year ago, which collapsed within 48 hours amid pressure from UEFA, FIFA, the British Government and outrage from supporters.

They therefore risk the threat of hefty sanctions from UEFA should it reopen disciplinary proceedings. The decision to overturn the injunction can be appealed against by the clubs.

The other nine clubs involved in the Super League reached an agreement with UEFA in May last year over their reintegration which included ‘goodwill’ payments of 15 million euros each and the withholding of five per cent of revenue from their next season in a UEFA club competition, plus a commitment to pay huge fines if they joined an unapproved tournament in the future.

However, the Madrid court injunction also prevented UEFA from following through on the penalties against those nine clubs, who have all now rejoined the European Club Association.

A UEFA spokesperson said: “UEFA has today received the order of the Madrid court, lifting the precautionary measures in their entirety.

“UEFA welcomes this decision and is considering its implications. UEFA will not be making any further comment for the time being.”

Meanwhile, UEFA has endorsed a fans’ petition called ‘Win It On The Pitch’ amid signs it may be