The long-awaited opinion of the Greek Attorney General of the European Court of Justice in the case of the secession movement of the leading European football clubs (European Super League) is a stumbling block for its initiators and represents the absolute support of the European and international confederation. .

Rules by football’s governing bodies UEFA and FIFA, which give them the power to block clubs from joining a breakaway league and punish players who do so, are compatible with EU antitrust law, the European Union’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.

The case concerns a dispute between UEFA and FIFA on the one hand, and ESL on the other, last year, but it could also affect other sports, clubs and players who are tempted by the lucrative deals offered by the rebels and seek to cash in on the deals associated with them. transactions. short periods of time.

The question is whether the statutes of FIFA and UEFA allow for the blocking of rival competitions, forbidding clubs and players from participating in the EFL, or forbidding them from participating in national team matches under EU rules on matches against companies or organizations that abuse their sovereignty.

“The FIFA and UEFA rules that every new match must be pre-approved are in line with EU competition law,” said Attorney General Athanasios Randos.

The Greek referee stated that while ESL could create its own independent football competitions outside of the UEFA and FIFA ecosystems, it could not at the same time continue to participate in FIFA and UEFA football competitions without their prior permission.

Mr Rados added that legitimate aims related to the special nature of the sport may justify certain restrictions. The court, which relies on most of these non-binding prosecutors’ opinions, will make its decision in the coming months.

UEFA welcomed the Greek prosecutor’s recommendation: “The opinion underlines the central role of the confederations in protecting sport, upholding the fundamental principles of sporting value and open access for our members, and in uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.” The European Confederation said in a statement.

It is recalled that the ESL collapsed in less than 48 hours in 2021 after protests from fans, governments and players forced the withdrawal of Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, ” Milan, Inter and Atlético Madrid.

Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus remained. ESL took its case to the Spanish court, which then turned to the Court of Justice of the European Union, located in Luxembourg, for advice.

Source: Reuters.