Here is why Real Madrid is suing UEFA for 4.5 billion euros

Real Madrid to Sue UEFA for €4.5 Billion Over European Super League Dispute

Real Madrid is reportedly preparing to take unprecedented legal action against UEFA, seeking €4.5 billion in damages over what the club describes as years of unfair treatment and anticompetitive practices within European football.

According to reports from AS, the lawsuit being filed jointly with A22 Sports Management, the company behind the controversial European Super League accuses UEFA of abusing its dominant position and illegally restricting competition. The claim is built upon a landmark European Union antitrust ruling that found UEFA’s control over continental football to be in violation of EU free market laws.

A Clash Years in the Making

This development marks a dramatic escalation in the long-running conflict between Real Madrid, A22, and UEFA. The club and its partners are seeking compensation for lost revenue, reputational harm, and competitive disadvantage, alleging that UEFA’s monopoly over European competitions has caused significant financial damage.

Lawyers representing both parties are said to be finalizing the documentation following months of unsuccessful negotiations and meetings that failed to reach a compromise.

Legal Foundations Strengthened

The case follows a series of favorable rulings for Real Madrid and A22. A Madrid court recently dismissed UEFA’s appeals, finding that the governing body had “seriously violated EU free competition laws.” The verdict echoes the December 2023 decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which determined that UEFA’s requirement for prior authorization of new competitions breached EU antitrust rules.

Spain’s Audiencia Provincial later reaffirmed that stance, concluding that UEFA had indeed exploited its dominant market position to suppress the Super League initiative.

What It Means for European Football

For Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, this represents a long-awaited breakthrough. The ruling not only validates his claims but also provides a legal foundation to demand restitution and potentially reshape the governance of European football altogether.

If successful, the €4.5 billion lawsuit could become the most financially significant case in football history, challenging UEFA’s long-standing control and potentially paving the way for a new era of club-led competition across Europe.