A proposed European Super League folded under government and fan pressure in 2021
Uefa and Real Madrid say they are set to end their legal dispute over the failed European Super League.
Real Madrid were left as the only club still signed up to the proposed breakaway competition after fellow Spanish giants Barcelona withdrew from the project last week.
Real had sought “substantial damages” from Uefa after European football’s governing body lost a court appeal over the Super League project in October 2025.
However, Uefa, European Football Clubs (EFC) and Real Madrid said on Wednesday an “agreement of principles” had been reached “for the good of European club football”.
Twelve European clubs initially backed the breakaway competition in 2021, before support for the project collapsed.
It is not yet clear whether Real Madrid are still signed up to the European Super League project.
A joint statement by Uefa, EFC and Real Madrid read: “Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, Uefa, EFC, and Real Madrid announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the wellbeing of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology.
“This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented.”
Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur signed up to the proposed European Super League but all withdrew from the project within 72 hours following a backlash from supporters.
La Liga’s Barcelona and Real Madrid remained committed to the project until October 2025, when Barca president Joan Laporta said the club wanted to re-establish links with Uefa and rejoin the EFC – previously known as the European Club Association (ECA).
Real sought compensation from Uefa in October after a ruling by the Provincial Court of Madrid upheld a decision that Uefa, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and La Liga were practising anti-competitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position by banning clubs from joining the breakaway league.
That ruling followed a separate judgement by the European Court of Justice in 2023 that banning clubs from joining a European Super League was unlawful.
Organisers tried to revive the idea in December 2024 with the Unify League, featuring 96 clubs split across four leagues, but failed to garner support.
