FIFA and UEFA leaders have responded to a recent ruling by the top court that favored the European Super League (ESL)

Significant developments rocked European football as the European Court of Justice ruled against UEFA and FIFA regarding the formation of the European Super League (ESL). This decision has put both FIFA (the World Football Governing Body) and UEFA (the European Football Governing Body) in a challenging position, as they had previously blocked the ESL’s formation in 2021. The European Court of Justice deemed the decision by FIFA and UEFA unlawful. However, both organizations are standing by their positions taken in 2021 as the clash between the ESL and top football bodies intensifies.

FIFA’s chief, Gianni Infantino, responded to the ruling by stating that the judgment does not fundamentally change their stance. He expressed confidence in FIFA’s ability to continue organizing top-tier competitions globally. Infantino emphasized FIFA’s historical role in hosting the world’s premier tournaments and asserted that this tradition would continue.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin also weighed in on the matter, reaffirming his commitment to opposing the ESL project. UEFA had initially been the first to object to the ESL’s formation in 2021 when 12 teams joined forces to create the league. Despite backlash and fines imposed by UEFA, Ceferin remained resolute, stating that they would not attempt to hinder the ESL’s plans. He even made a quip about the ESL’s proposed competition, suggesting that it should proceed as soon as possible but with just two clubs, implying a lack of support for the league.

Additionally, the Premier League issued a response to the verdict, pledging its non-support for the ESL’s formation. Previously, the “big six” Premier League clubs from England had formed a coalition to participate in the ESL, but this endeavor faced significant opposition from fans and was subsequently abandoned.

The Premier League’s statement clarified that the ruling did not endorse the concept of the “European Super League.” It emphasized the league’s commitment to open competition principles, which are fundamental to the success of both domestic and international club competitions. The statement acknowledged the importance of supporters and their vocal opposition to a “breakaway” competition that would sever the connection between domestic and European football.