Real Madrid Set to Sue UEFA and Could Seek 'Substantial Damages'
Real Madrid have confirmed their intentions to seek "substantial damages" from UEFA following a ruling in the Provincial Court of Madrid.
In an official statement released on the club website, Real Madrid have announced that they will attempt to claim back damages cause to them by European governing body UEFA.
The announcement comes after Provincial Court of Madrid had dismissed appeals by UEFA, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and LaLiga linked to Real Madrid's efforts to create a European Super League.
In the ruling, it was determined that UEFA had "seriously infringed the European Union's free competition rules in line with the CJEU ruling by abusing its dominant position".
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As such, Real Madrid have confirmed that the door remains open for them to seek compensation for the damages caused by UEFA's actions.
Back in April 2021, Real Madrid were one of 12 clubs, alongside the likes of Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United and historic Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez was one of the figureheads of the plans, and was outspoken about his frustrations after UEFA and FIFA blocked them, largely due to the outrage they caused across football.
Following the end of the European Super League, a ruling from the Court of Justice for the European Union in December 2023 found that UEFA and FIFA had contravened EU law by blocking the plans.
UEFA, the RFEF and La Liga appealed the decision, but Real Madrid's statement has confirmed that these appeals have been unsuccessful.
Real said in a club statement: "Real Madrid CF is delighted that the Madrid Provincial Court has dismissed the appeals lodged by Uefa, the RFEF and La Liga, confirming that UEFA, in the Superliga matter, seriously infringed the European Union's free competition rules in line with the CJEU ruling by abusing its dominant position.
"This ruling opens the way to claim the substantial damages suffered by the club.
"Furthermore, Real Madrid reports that throughout 2025 it has held numerous discussions with Uefa to seek solutions, without reaching any compromise on more transparent governance, financial sustainability, protection of players' health and improvements to the fan experience, including free and globally accessible broadcasting models as was the case at the FIFA Club World Cup.
"Accordingly, the club announces that it will continue to work for the good of global football and fans, while claiming substantial damages from UEFA."
UEFA also issued a statement reacting to the decision, confirming that it would review the judgment before deciding on its next steps.
It read: "UEFA takes note of today's judgment by the Madrid Court of Appeal concerning the so-called 'super league'.
"This ruling does not validate the abandoned 'super league' project announced in 2021, nor does it undermine UEFA's current authorisation rules, adopted in 2022 and updated in 2024, which remain fully in force.
"These rules ensure that any cross-border competitions are assessed on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria.
"This development comes after the European Parliament this month adopted a landmark resolution explicitly reiterating its opposition to 'breakaway competitions' as they 'endanger the overall sport ecosystem'.
"UEFA will carefully review the judgment before deciding on any further steps, and will not be commenting further at this stage.
"In the meantime, UEFA remains firmly committed to the European sports model, built on sporting merit, open access, solidarity and the protection of the football pyramid.
"It will continue working with associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans, and public authorities to safeguard the unity of European football."
Topics: Real Madrid, UEFA, European Super League, Football, Florentino Perez
Ben McCrum