Real Madrid, Barca and Juventus strike back at UEFA

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The standoff continues between UEFA and the Super League slingers. The governing body of European football yesterday published its sanctions against the 12 founding clubs of this ephemeral competition. 9 of them (the 6 English clubs, the 2 from Milan and Atlético de Madrid) have received small sentences: 5% of their revenues from European competitions have been withdrawn. They also received a fine of € 15 million that they will have to share equally, or € 1.6 million each. They will pay this out in the form of donations to football schools.

“These clubs quickly recognized their mistakes and took action to demonstrate their contribution and future commitment to European football. The same cannot be said of the clubs which remain involved in the so-called “Super League, and UEFA will deal with the fate of these clubs thereafter” explained the UEFA press release last night. Real Madrid, Barça and Juventus, the three leading clubs, risk much heavier penalties than their former breakaway companions. UEFA is squarely considering banning them from all European competitions for a period of two years.

Real, Barça and Juve blame UEFA and FIFA

A decision will be taken at the next executive committee, which will take place after the Champions League final on May 29. While Florentino Pérez still resents the “deserters”, even trying to claim damages from them for having abandoned the ship en route, only 48 hours after the announcement of the creation of the Super League project, and therefore broke the contract who bound them, he tried in parallel to organize the counterattack against UEFA. This Saturday, the three ugly ducklings issued a joint statement in which they explain their approach to wanting to reform football.

They take the opportunity to denounce the pressures of the European body but also of FIFA, affirming that they are in their right, and speak of a lack of respect. On April 20, the Madrid Commercial Court had in fact prohibited UEFA from taking sanctions against secessionists as long as this conflict was not judged on the merits. Also, the three clubs do not support the threat of sanctions hovering over their heads. Finally, they do not hesitate to shoot in the direction of their former acolytes whom they accuse of having changed their minds making their position completely inconsistent.

Full press release from Real Madrid, Barça and Juventus:

“(I) The founding clubs have received and continue to receive unacceptable pressure, threats and sanctions from third parties in order to withdraw the proposed project and, therefore, waive their right / duty to provide solutions to the project. ecosystem of football through concrete proposals and constructive dialogue. This is legally intolerable and the courts have already ruled in favor of the Super League’s proposal, ordering FIFA and UEFA to abstain, both directly and through through their members, to take all measures that could compromise the initiative in any way while awaiting the procedure.

(II) The Super League project was jointly designed by the twelve founding clubs:

at. With the aim of providing solutions to the current unsustainable situation in the football sector. The twelve founding clubs shared the same concern – as have other players in European football – especially in the current socio-economic context, namely that structural reforms are essential to ensure that our sport remains interesting and survives on the long term. In response, they announced on April 18 their desire to create the Super League and establish a channel of communication with UEFA and FIFA, in a constructive spirit of collaboration between the parties, as announced to each of them. on the same date.

b. With the greatest respect for current facilities and the football ecosystem. The founding clubs have expressly agreed that the Super League will take place when it is recognized by UEFA, FIFA or both, or when, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, it is considered a competition compatible in all respects with the maintenance of the founding clubs in the respective national competitions. However, despite these circumstances, UEFA and FIFA have so far refused to establish an adequate communication channel.

vs. In order to bring financial stability to the whole European football family, currently affected by a deep crisis which threatens the survival of many clubs. Proof of this is the announced commitments to allocate annual solidarity funds of a guaranteed amount, compared to those distributed by UEFA, and to strengthen the rules of financial viability, through the creation of a control system. clear, transparent and efficient, subject to controls by is one of the experts.

(III) The twelve founding clubs shared how the Super League represents a unique opportunity to provide fans around the world with the best possible spectacle and to strengthen global interest in football, which is not a fixed fact and which is subject to new generational trends. Additionally, they shared that one of the main goals is to promote women’s football globally, a huge, but currently underrated, opportunity for the industry.

(IV) We are fully aware of the diversity of reactions to the Super League initiative and, therefore, of the need to reflect on the reasons for some of them. We are ready to reconsider the proposed approach if necessary. However, we would be very irresponsible if, aware of the needs and the systemic crisis in the football sector that led us to announce the Super League, we abandon the mission of providing effective and lasting answers to the existential challenges that threaten the football sector. soccer.

(V) We are saddened to see that the clubs, our friends and founding partners of the Super League are now in an inconsistent and contradictory position after signing numerous commitments with UEFA yesterday. However, as the concrete issues that led the twelve founding clubs to announce the Super League a few weeks ago remain, we reiterate that in honoring our history, honoring the commitments made to our stakeholders and supporters for the sake of football, and for the financial sustainability of the sector, we have a duty to act responsibly and persevere in achieving our goals, despite the continuing and unacceptable pressures and threats from UEFA.

(VI) Above all, we reiterate to FIFA, UEFA and all football stakeholders, as we have done on numerous occasions since the announcement of the Super League, our commitment and our firm will to discuss together, while respecting the principles of law but without intolerable pressure, the most appropriate solutions for the sustainability of the whole football family. “