"Spanish High Court Confirms Landmark Ruling Against FIFA and UEFA for Abuse of Dominant Position in European Football"

"The High Court of Madrid has upheld a landmark 2024 ruling against FIFA and UEFA for abusing their dominant position by obstructing the creation of alternative competitions like the Super League. The court confirmed that FIFA and UEFA violated EU competition laws by preventing clubs and players from freely participating in unauthorized tournaments. This decision follows a 2023 EU Court of Justice ruling that deemed FIFA and UEFA's approval requirements for new tournaments unlawful. The case originated from the failed 2021 attempt by 12 major European clubs to establish an independent Super League. The ruling could reshape power dynamics in European football, granting clubs greater freedom to organize their own competitions."

The transaction involved several law firms, including Clifford Chance, which represented the European Super League and A22 Sports Management, and Ashurst, MLAB, and Marimón Abogados, which defended UEFA, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation. The case originated from the attempt by twelve European football clubs in 2021 — including Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Milan, Liverpool, and Chelsea — to establish an independent Super League. The project collapsed within days due to widespread protests from fans, sports institutions, and governments. However, the European Superleague Company pursued legal action, accusing FIFA and UEFA of abusing their dominant position to prevent clubs and players from freely participating in unauthorized tournaments, thereby violating European Union competition law. In 2023, the EU Court of Justice ruled that FIFA and UEFA's requirement for prior approval of new tournaments was contrary to EU law. Building on this principle, the Madrid High Court rejected appeals from UEFA, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation, confirming the decision in favor of the Super League. The Clifford Chance legal team representing the European Super League was led by partners Fernando Irurzun, Luis Alonso, and Miguel Odriozola, supported by counsel Fernando Giménez-Alvear and Pablo Murcia, and associate Laura García-Valdecasas.

"Spanish High Court Confirms Landmark Ruling Against FIFA and UEFA for Abuse of Dominant Position in European Football"

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