Europe’s controversial Super League project officially collapsed on Wednesday when Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA, leaving the Spanish giants as the final push to leave the breakaway competition.
A brief statement issued days after Barcelona’s formal withdrawal confirmed that Madrid and UEFA had resolved their legal disputes through “months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football”. The agreement also covered the European Football Clubs group, which represents 800 clubs from across the continent.
MADRID ISOLATED AFTER COURT VICTORY
Despite winning a landmark ruling at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg more than two years ago, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has found his vision for the Super League increasingly isolated. The court’s decision against
UEFA failed to attract new clubs to join the spin-off project, which had no clear way forward.
TThe Super League was launched in April 2021 with 12 Spanish, Italian and English clubs attacking UEFA’s monopoly on European competition. The Rebels hoped to start playing 20 teams and generate more wins through a closed system.
However, the project collapsed within 48 hours due to fierce opposition, particularly in England, where fans and government officials threatened legislation to protect traditional football structures. The timing of the announcement – on the eve of UEFA approving reforms to the Champions League that the clubs themselves have called for – further undermined support.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RELEASES NO REBELS
Real Madrid and Barcelona continued to compete in the Champions League throughout the dispute, each earning more than 100 million euros ($119 million) a year in UEFA prize money. The competition flourished under the new one-league placement format, which the clubs helped negotiate ahead of their breakaway attempt.
The refusal of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich to join the Super League contributed significantly to its rapid downfall. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelafi, a representative of the Qatari government, leads the group of European clubs from 2021.
CLUBS GAIN STRENGTH THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS
Wednesday’s deal could allow Madrid to rejoin the grouping of European football clubs, formerly known as the European Club Association, which it renamed last year. During Madrid and Barcelona, the organization grew to 800 members and became more influential with UEFA.
The resolution represents a major shift in European football policy from 2021, when clubs gain more power through UC3, a joint venture with UEFA that oversees the continent’s club competitions. UC3 has recently partnered with Relevent, the London arm of the US promotions agency, which is expected to drive future changes to the Champions League schedule, formats and broadcast events.
The deal ensures that the Champions League remains open to clubs from all leagues on the basis of sporting merit and preserves the competition’s traditional structure, which fan groups, lawmakers and UEFA have fought to protect.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 11, 2026