UEFA and Super League are on the brink of a cold war again

In just two weeks, the wave of controversy surrounding this breakaway football project has suddenly risen, bringing with it new signs of tension in the already fragile relationship between UEFA and the founding clubs of the Super League.

The image of Joan Laporta, Nasser Al Khelaifi and Aleksander Ceferin appearing together in the stands of the Barcelona-PSG Champions League match seemed like just a social moment, but it reflected the deep divisions that are simmering behind the scenes of European football.

From reconciliation to confrontation

Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently attended a meeting between the ECA (European Club Association - an organization under UEFA) and the EFC, the new confederation headed by Al Khelaifi. His presence immediately caused a stir among observers, as it exposed the fact that all efforts to "make up" between the Super League and UEFA have almost collapsed.

For months, the two sides have maintained an informal dialogue channel in the hope of finding a balance between the autonomy of the big clubs and the centralized control model of UEFA. But by now, the "door of negotiation" is gradually closing, giving way to a legal battle that is considered inevitable.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is weighing up whether to support or oppose the Super League.

According to sources, the Madrid Provincial Court is expected to rule in the coming days on the Super League's "abuse of dominance" claim against UEFA. This is a lawsuit initiated by the founding group of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus since 2021, claiming that UEFA "monopolizes" the organization of club competitions in Europe, hindering free competition.

The upcoming ruling could be a decisive moment for the future of the Super League, with the organization still insisting it will not abandon the legal path. A spokesman for A22 Sports Management, the project's operator, said: "Dialogue with UEFA is necessary. But their rejection of any agreement does not mean that European football cannot change. The proposal we sent to UEFA in December 2024 is still valid."

Laporta between two fronts

Unlike Real Madrid, who are determined to pursue the Super League to the end, Barcelona under Laporta still chooses to "walk the tightrope" delicately. Although playing the role of intermediary in many contacts between the two sides, Laporta has never proposed to withdraw from the Super League, nor has he officially rejoined the ECA.

This caution is seen as his effort to preserve both Barca's political position and economic interests, in the context that the club is still struggling with financial difficulties.

UEFA President does not want the Super League to take place.

UEFA insiders claim the organization has stopped all negotiation channels, viewing the Super League as a “threat to the structure of European football.” Meanwhile, the Super League appears ready to “strike” in the European court, where they believe competition law could pave the way for a separate tournament model.

The balance of power in European football has thus once again been shaken. Following the ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last December - which acknowledged that UEFA could regulate its competitions - observers believe that this trial in Madrid will be a decisive "rematch".

While UEFA has consistently defended its “pyramid model” based on solidarity and the promotion-relegation mechanism, the Super League continues to advocate “freedom of competition” and “ economic sustainability for big clubs”. Both positions have their own arguments, but consensus seems further away than ever.

European football, once again, is at a crossroads – where passion, power and money are constantly battling. And if no one backs down, the future of an entire football continent could be decided in court.

Source: https://znews.vn/uefa-va-super-league-lai-ben-bo-chien-tranh-lanh-post1592681.html