SOCCER: UEFA and Real Madrid reach deal to end Super League legal battle

UEFA and Real Madrid have reached an agreement to end their long-running legal dispute over the failed European Super League, the club and European soccer’s governing body announced Wednesday.

UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC), and Real Madrid said they agreed on an "agreement of principles" that ensures sporting merit is respected, following months of discussions aimed at promoting the "well-being" of European club football.

“This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented,” the organizations said in a joint statement.

In October, Real Madrid sought compensation from UEFA after the club said the Regional Court of Madrid had dismissed appeals filed by UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and LaLiga regarding the Super League.

Real Madrid was one of 12 European clubs that supported the breakaway competition in 2021. The project collapsed amid widespread fan and government opposition, with six Premier League clubs withdrawing. Real Madrid and Barcelona were the only clubs that continued backing the plan.

Last week, Barcelona officially withdrew from the Super League, leaving Real Madrid as the sole advocate of the project. The organizers attempted a revival in December 2024 with a new plan called the "Unify League," featuring 96 clubs divided into four leagues. However, it failed to gain significant support, facing strong opposition from major leagues including LaLiga and the Premier League.

-Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters