Real Madrid and A22 Sports Management are preparing to sue UEFA for an astonishing €4.5 billion after years of legal battles and failed negotiations.
According to AS, the claim accuses UEFA of abusing its dominance and stifling fair competition with the amount reflecting lost profits, reputational harm and competitive damage linked to the European Super League’s collapse.
Lawyers representing both Madrid and A22 are drafting the lawsuit, marking a decisive new phase in the ongoing feud.
The move follows a Madrid court ruling that sided with Los Blancos and A22, confirming that UEFA had “seriously infringed European Union free competition rules.”
For club president Florentino Pérez, the verdict served as long-awaited validation. Madrid now plans to seek billions they believe were lost due to UEFA’s “unlawful obstruction.”
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The legal war dates back to April 2021, when 12 elite clubs announced the Super League as a rival to the Champions League a project that collapsed within 48 hours after public backlash, political opposition and UEFA’s threats of sanctions.
While England’s “Big Six” clubs withdrew, Madrid and Barcelona refused to give up. Supported by A22 CEO Bernd Reichart, Pérez continued to claim that UEFA’s model represented a “monopoly that kills innovation and fair competition.”
In December 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled in their favour, declaring UEFA’s approval requirements for new competitions unlawful under EU law a ruling later reinforced by Spain’s Audiencia Provincial.
Subsequent talks between A22 and UEFA initially hinted at progress but collapsed after disagreements over competition format. Insiders accused UEFA of “stalling to buy time,” prompting Madrid and A22 to pursue litigation.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has since softened his stance and attended meetings to rebuild ties with UEFA. However, Pérez remains firm, viewing the lawsuit as a matter of principle and power.
Madrid’s €4.5 billion claim seeks compensation for lost commercial opportunities, broadcasting revenues and reputational harm.
UEFA, meanwhile, insists its updated 2022 and 2024 authorization rules remain valid and says it will fight the case vigorously.
If Madrid and A22 prevail, it could trigger a wave of similar lawsuits — a historic moment that might reshape the balance of power in European football.
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