The controversial European Super League project officially collapsed on Wednesday as Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA, leaving the Spanish giant as the final holdout to abandon the breakaway competition.
A brief statement released days after Barcelona’s formal withdrawal confirmed that Madrid and UEFA had resolved their legal disputes through “months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football.” The agreement also involved the European Football Clubs group, which represents 800 clubs across the continent.
MADRID ISOLATED AFTER COURT VICTORY
Despite winning a significant ruling at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg over two years ago, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez found his Super League vision increasingly isolated. The court decision against
UEFA failed to attract new clubs to join the breakaway project, which had no clear path forward.
The Super League launched in April 2021 with 12 Spanish, Italian and English clubs attacking UEFA’s monopoly on European competition. The rebels hoped to start play with 20 teams and generate greater prize money through a closed system.
However, the project collapsed within 48 hours amid fierce backlash, particularly in England, where fans and government officials threatened legislation to protect traditional soccer structures. The timing of the announcement—on the eve of UEFA approving Champions League reforms the clubs themselves had requested—further undermined support.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THRIVES WITHOUT REBELS
Real Madrid and Barcelona continued participating in the Champions League throughout the dispute, each earning over 100 million euros ($119 million) annually in UEFA prize money. The competition has flourished under a new single league standings format that the clubs helped negotiate before their attempted breakaway.
The refusal of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich to join the Super League contributed significantly to its quick downfall. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelafi, a Qatari government official, has led the European clubs’ group since 2021.
CLUBS GAIN POWER THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIP
Wednesday’s agreement could allow Madrid to rejoin the European Football Clubs group, formerly known as the European Club Association, which rebranded last year. The organisation has grown to 800 members during Madrid and Barcelona’s absence, becoming more influential with UEFA.
The resolution represents a major shift in European soccer politics since 2021, with clubs acquiring increased power through UC3, a joint commercial venture with UEFA that oversees the continent’s club competitions. UC3 recently partnered with Relevent, a London-based subsidiary of a U.S. promotions agency, which is expected to drive future changes in Champions League scheduling, formats and broadcast deals.
The agreement ensures the Champions League remains open to clubs from all leagues based on sporting merit, preserving the competition’s traditional structure that fan groups, lawmakers and UEFA fought to protect.
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