BRUSSELS (AP) — Reaction to the European Union’s top court ruling on Thursday that UEFA and FIFA defied competition law by blocking plans for the breakaway…
Reaction to the European Union’s top court ruling on Thursday that UEFA and FIFA defied competition law by blocking plans for the breakaway Super League:
“We have won the right to compete. European club football is free. The near-70-year UEFA monopoly is finally over, and the court’s decision has far-ranging and positive consequences for football. We will continue working with clubs, leagues and other stakeholders without fear of sanctions to create the best and most fan-centric football competitions in Europe. For the first time since 1955, pan-European competitions can now be governed by the participating clubs themselves as is the case in virtually all European domestic leagues.” — Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, the company promoting Super League.
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“It has been fully recognized that the clubs have the right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world. Today a Europe of freedoms has triumphed, and also football and its fans have triumphed. — Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
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“The sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future. The club feels that the medium-term sustainability of European football entails the need create a concept along the lines of the Super League proposed by A22.” — Barcelona in a statement.
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“UEFA remains resolute in its commitment to uphold the European football pyramid, ensuring that it continues to serve the broader interests of society. We will continue to shape the European sports model collectively with national associations, leagues, clubs, fans, players, coaches, EU institutions, governments and partners alike.
