UEFA And Real Madrid Reach Agreement To End Super League

UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC) and Real Madrid CF have announced an agreement of principles following months of discussions aimed at safeguarding the future of European club football.

In a joint statement, the parties said the agreement prioritises the “well-being of European club football,” reaffirming the principle of sporting merit while placing renewed emphasis on long-term financial sustainability and the enhancement of the fan experience through technology.

The agreement is also expected to bring an end to ongoing legal disputes linked to the controversial European Super League project. According to the statement, once the agreed principles are formally executed and implemented, the related legal proceedings will be resolved.

End of the European Super League Project

The European Super League (ESL) was unveiled as a proposed seasonal competition intended to rival or replace the UEFA Champions League. Organised by the European Super League Company SL, the breakaway project initially envisaged a 20-team tournament, including 15 permanent founding members.

The proposal sparked widespread backlash from supporters, domestic leagues, governing bodies and governments across Europe, who criticised the perceived lack of sporting merit and the closed structure of the competition.

By the end of 2025, following the withdrawal of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid had remained as the only club publicly committed to the project. However, in February 2026, Real Madrid formally withdrew, effectively marking the end of the ESL initiative in its original form.

A Reset for European Club Football

The newly announced agreement signals a significant reset in relations between UEFA and one of its most prominent member clubs. By reaffirming sporting merit as a core principle of European competitions, the deal underscores a collective commitment to preserving open competition structures based on domestic and continental performance.

The reference to long-term sustainability suggests a shared focus on financial stability amid increasing economic pressures across European football, while the emphasis on technology points toward innovations designed to improve engagement and matchday experiences for fans.

With Real Madrid’s withdrawal from the Super League project and the agreement now in place, European football appears to be moving beyond one of the most divisive chapters in its modern history.

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