SPANISH APPEALS COURT CONFIRMS MONOPOLY ABUSE BY UEFA

Madrid, 29 October 2025 – A22 Sports Management (“A22”) today welcomed the decision of the Audiencia Provincial, a Spanish appeals court, in yet another decisive ruling. This marks the third consecutive judgement by European courts in the European Super League case where it was held that the long-standing monopoly of UEFA in pan-European club competitions is an abuse of dominant position and incompatible with EU law. In its deliberations the Audiencia Provincial considered 21 different claims put forth by UEFA, LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). All claims were rejected in the strongest terms and the court’s ruling is binding and enforceable.

Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22 Sports, said: “After years of legal proceedings, UEFA can no longer ignore binding court decisions. By abusing their monopoly and preventing new initiatives they have caused substantial damages to numerous clubs, players and other stakeholders across Europe.”

For years, A22 has sought UEFA recognition of its proposal for an open cross-border club football competition. Throughout 2025, extensive discussions were held with senior UEFA officials to find ways to achieve necessary reforms by modifying, rather than replacing, existing competitions (Champions League, Europa League and Conference League). These discussions included proposals aimed at enhancing fan experience, modernizing governance and improving clubs’ long-term sustainability. Importantly, there were no proposed changes to the method of qualification via domestic leagues. The overarching objective of our discussions was to improve the current football ecosystem with minimal disruption. Despite this collaborative approach, UEFA refused to pursue a compromise.

A22 is dedicated to advancing the interests of European club football through innovation and cooperation and trusts that today’s ruling will push UEFA in the same direction. UEFA is clearly legally obliged to recognise A22’s right to organise competitions on an equal footing with their own. However, since UEFA continues to ignore binding court rulings, A22 has no other choice than to commence proceedings to be compensated for damages suffered.