EU legal adviser sides with UEFA, FIFA in Super League case

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN The Associated Press
FILE - Chelsea fans protest outside Stamford Bridge stadium in London, against Chelsea's decision to be included amongst the clubs attempting to form a new European Super League, April 20, 2021. Super League was dealt a blow when an EU legal adviser proposed the European Court of Justice should back UEFA and FIFA in blocking the breakaway competition. Advocate General Athanasios Rantos proposed on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 that the court recognize FIFA-UEFA rules under which Super League should be subject to prior approval were compatible with European Union competition law. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, file)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matt Dunham]

BRUSSELS (AP) — A senior legal adviser proposes the European Court of Justice recognize that FIFA-UEFA rules under which the Super League project should be subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law. Advocate General Athanasios Rantos says while Super League organizers are entitled to their own independent competition outside UEFA and FIFA, they cannot also continue to play in UEFA and FIFA events without authorization. Advocates general routinely provide legal guidance to the ECJ. Their opinions aren’t binding on the Luxembourg-based court but are followed in most cases. UEFA and FIFA welcome the opinion. The European Club Association is satisfied by the opinion.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.