European Super League Moves To Head Off Bans & Legal Challenges

The European Super League has filed injunctions against Fifa and Uefa to try to stop them from banning clubs or players from future tournaments such as the Champions League. 

In a letter to Fifa and Uefa seen by the BBC, ESL lawyers wrote that they were concerned the footballing bodies could take “punitive measures.” It comes amid widespread criticism of ESL’s decision to launch a breakaway league of top European clubs. 

The BBC asked Fifa and Uefa to comment. In the letter, ESL lawyers wrote, “We are concerned that Fifa and Uefa may respond to this invitation letter by seeking to take punitive measures to exclude any participating club or player from their respective competitions.”

They stated that they would consider that “adverse reaction” to be “unlawful” and that they had filed papers with “the relevant courts” to prevent the “seamless establishment and operation of the competition in accordance with applicable laws.”

An insider at the ESL said they had prepared themselves for a huge backlash and thought they were on firm legal ground with respect to competition law. 

“I think in the cold light of day, they are looking at this and the reality is dawning that this is happening and it’s perfectly legal.”

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