What is happening in Courtroom Three at the European Court of Justice?
On Thursday, the final decision regarding the lawsuit filed by the European Super League Company against Uefa will be announced. The main matter to be settled is whether Uefa had the authority to penalize the 12 teams who expressed interest in joining the independent tournament. However, there are numerous underlying matters that, when combined, raise complicated concerns about the fate of European soccer.
What are the main problems?
Should the direction of the game be controlled by governing bodies like Uefa or by clubs? Is it appropriate for a body, like Uefa, responsible for enforcing rules to also manage competitions? How significant is Uefa’s commitment to an “open” competition model and what does it entail? Additionally, to what degree do top clubs have a responsibility to support their domestic leagues and smaller competitors?
Can we expect a response to all of these inquiries by Thursday?
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And Uefa?
It is possible that a different perspective will be taken. Last year, Uefa revised the regulations for “International Club Competitions”, which had already been underway before the Super League controversy. These changes included a commitment to ensuring that new competitions uphold the principles of fair competition and prioritize sporting values over financial interests. They also require any potential organizer to confirm that they have not been involved in an unauthorized International Club Competition in the past five years. These rules were created with the intent of preventing another Super League situation. It should be noted that clarifying these procedures is not the same as modifying them.
Is it possible that we are returning to a state of stalemate after all this?
We should not jump to conclusions – there may be something definite and influential that will solidify Uefa’s position for years to come. A more subtle message may be interpreted by the Super League as a glimmer of hope and a way to convince clubs who have been on the sidelines to support a competition that would be organized by a private company, rather than officials in Switzerland, on behalf of the clubs.
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The Super League contends that this is the ideal structure to generate higher profits for its clubs and promote greater unity. However, other organizations like the European Club Association (ECA), which boasts over 300 affiliated clubs, may advocate for maintaining the current system.
In the fall, Uefa announced a collaboration with the ECA to “enhance the commercial growth of Uefa’s club tournaments,” a plan that appears to be a way to increase funds for clubs without causing major changes.
The anticipated outcome is that the ruling from the European Court of Justice will result in the Super League remaining on the field, although with players appearing fatigued and one shinpad partially exposed. Nonetheless, this legal process has demonstrated that the rebellious tournament will not surrender easily. Expect further deceitful actions.
Source: theguardian.com
