UEFA has accepted the reintegration of the nine clubs that dropped out of the European Super League project and announced disciplinary measures for the other three including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The European football governing body claims that nine of the 12 teams involved in the creation of the Super League have submitted a ‘Club Commitment Declaration’, through which they commit to both UEFA’s and their national federations’ competitions.
In addition, the nine clubs recognise that the creation of the Super League was a mistake and have apologised to the institutions and their fans.
Arsenal, AC Milan, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Inter, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all signed a document in which they abide by the following points stating that each club:
- unreservedly acknowledges and accepts the binding nature of the UEFA Statutes
- remains committed to and will participate in any UEFA Club Competitions each season for which that club qualifies on sporting merit
- will rejoin the European Club Association, which is the only representative body for clubs that UEFA recognises
- will take all steps within their power with a view to terminate their involvement in the company established to form and operate the Super League and cease any existing related legal actions
- as a gesture of goodwill, and together with the other clubs, will make a donation totalling an aggregate of 15 million, to be used for the benefit of children, youth and grassroots football in local communities across Europe, including the UK
- will be subject to the withholding of 5% of the revenues they would have received from UEFA club competitions for one season, which will be redistributed
- agree to have substantial fines imposed if they seek to play in such an unauthorised competition (100 million) or if they breach any other commitment, they have entered into in the Club Commitment Declaration (50 million)
- will provide individual commitments to UEFA in which all the principles and values set out in the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between UEFA and the European Club Association are accepted
UEFA also warned the three remaining rebel clubs of potential measures against those who don’t withdraw from the project.
“In addition, and moving forward, UEFA has reserved all rights to take whatever action it deems appropriate against those clubs that have so far refused to renounce the so-called ‘Super League’,” UEFA stressed through the statement.
“The matter will promptly be referred to the competent UEFA disciplinary bodies.”
Ceferin’s statement
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin also commented on the nine clubs’ decision to renounce the Super League and stressed that the rest will face the consequences of not having done so.
“I said at the UEFA Congress two weeks ago that it takes a strong organisation to admit making a mistake especially in these days of trial by social media,” said Ceferin.
“These clubs have done just that. In accepting their commitments and willingness to repair the disruption they caused, UEFA wants to put this chapter behind it and move forward in a positive spirit.
“The measures announced are significant, but none of the financial penalties will be retained by UEFA. They will all be reinvested into youth and grassroots football in local communities across Europe, including the UK.
“These clubs recognised their mistakes quickly and have taken action to demonstrate their contrition and future commitment to European football. The same cannot be said for the clubs that remain involved in the so-called ‘Super League’ and UEFA will deal with those clubs subsequently.”