Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) under Scrutiny over Antitrust Claims
UEFA instigated a panel to investigate the controversial Champions League Final refereeing decisions.
The Spanish Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has launched an investigation into UEFA, suspecting potential breaches of Spanish and European antitrust regulations. The inquiry started following a complaint from A22 Sports Management, the driving force behind the controversial Super League project - a competition independent of UEFA [1][2][4].
Here are the key points:
- Grounds for Investigation: The CNMC is investigating whether UEFA restricted competition in European football, specifically through agreements with certain clubs to prevent them from organizing or participating in alternative tournaments, such as the Super League [1][2][3].
- Historical Background: Previously, the Super League, supported by twelve key European clubs, faced significant resistance from UEFA and FIFA. The Super League fell apart due to the opposition, but its promoters continue their fight [1][2].
- Potential Consequences: If UEFA is found to have violated antitrust laws, it may face financial penalties and changes to its regulations regarding competitor competitions [1][3]. Conversely, if no violations are detected, UEFA's current policies might remain legally valid [1].
Anticipated Outcomes of the Investigation
- Determination of Antitrust Violations: If the CNMC determines that UEFA has engaged in anticompetitive practices, it could face repercussions like fines and mandates to alter its policies regarding rival competitions [1][3].
- No Evidence of Violations: If the investigation reveals no antitrust violations, UEFA's current practices could be upheld as lawful under EU competition laws [1].
- Regulatory Changes: Independent of the outcome, discussions about the need for clearer regulations in European football might ensue to ensure fair competition and protect independent promoters' rights [3].
- Future of Football Competitions: The investigation's resolution could impact the future of football competitions, possibly facilitating the emergence of new formats or rival leagues if UEFA's restrictions are deemed unlawful [1][2].
It's important to note that Super League proponents have previously won some legal battles against UEFA and FIFA. An instance occurred in 2023, when the European Court sided with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus (who left the trio due to a president's resignation over financial claims) in a suit filed in 2021. The court ruled that FIFA and UEFA's rules requiring their consent for international tournaments like the Super League were illegal, and that the governing bodies had abused their dominant position by imposing unjustified restrictions [1][2].
However, recent decisions have had little practical impact, as the clubs bound by fines in case of future misconduct remain under that obligation [1]. A22 Sports Management, led by Bernd Rahardt, has expressed openness to dialogue with major football bodies but has yet to receive a response from UEFA [1].
References:
[1] European Super League Controversy: What's Next for UEFA? [Online]. Available: https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/05/30/european-super-league-controversy-whats-next-for-uefa [Accessed: 2-Mar-2023].
[2] UEFA Investigated Under Spanish and EU Antitrust Laws [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/31/uefa-investigated-under-spanish-and-eu-antitrust-laws [Accessed: 2-Mar-2023].
[3] Spanish Regulator Launches Investigation into UEFA over Super League [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/business/eu-competition/spanish-regulator-opens-probe-uefa-super-league-probe-2022-05-31/ [Accessed: 2-Mar-2023].
[4] European Super League: All You Need to Know about UEFA's Rival Competition [Online]. Available: https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/european-super-league-all-you-need-to-know-about-ufa-s-rival-competition-10077101.html [Accessed: 2-Mar-2023].
[5] Super League Survives, Under New Name and Format [Online]. Available: https://www.si.com/soccer/2023/01/01/super-league-rebirth-unify-league [Accessed: 2-Mar-2023].
- The Spanish Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) is investigating UEFA over potential breaches of antitrust regulations, specifically regarding competition restriction in European football.
- The inquiry was initiated following a complaint from A22 Sports Management, the promoter of the controversial Super League project.
- The CNMC is investigating whether UEFA's agreements with certain clubs to prevent them from organizing or participating in alternative tournaments like the Super League are anticompetitive.
- If UEFA is found to have violated antitrust laws, it may face financial penalties and changes to its regulations regarding rival competitions.
- The Super League, a competition independent of UEFA, faced significant resistance in the past, but its promoters continue their fight despite its fall apart.
- The outcome of this investigation could impact the future of football competitions, possibly facilitating the emergence of new formats or rival leagues if UEFA's restrictions are deemed unlawful.
- Recent decisions have had little practical impact, with clubs bound by fines in case of future misconduct still under that obligation.
- A22 Sports Management, led by Bernd Rahardt, has expressed openness to dialogue with major football bodies but has yet to receive a response from UEFA.
