UEFA and FIFA have received significant backing in their bid to block the creation of a European Super League (ESL).
The two football governing bodies were accused of breaching European Union competition law when they blocked the formation of the proposed league in April 2021.
According to a key legal opinion, published on Thursday morning, December 15, it was found that UEFA and FIFA followed the set-out EU law.
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However, the opinion of the Advocate General in the case, Athanasios Rantos, is not legally binding but is vital ahead of the final ruling which will be issued in 2023.
The ESL, in its case, claimed that both UEFA and FIFA were breaking competition law by threatening to sanction clubs and players who joined a breakaway league.
The final ruling will be made by a 15-member Grand Chamber in 2023.
“The FIFA-UEFA rules under which any new competition is subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law.
“Whilst ESLC is free to set up its own independent football competition outside the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, it cannot, however, in parallel with the creation of such a competition, continue to participate in the football competitions organised by FIFA and UEFA without the prior authorisation of those federations,” read of the statement by Rantos.
UEFA welcomed the opinion noting that it was in support of its central mission to govern European football, protect the pyramid and develop the game across Europe.
"The Opinion reinforces the central role of federations in protecting the sport, upholding fundamental principles of sporting merit and open access across our members, as well as uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity," part of the statement by UEFA read.
In its statement, UEFA added that football in Europe would remain united and would continue to oppose the ESL or any such breakaway proposals.
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