The European Court of Justice has ruled that UEFA and FIFA's rules to block clubs and deter players from joining the European Super League are compatible with EU law.
A22 Sports Management were formed to sponsor and help launch the breakaway competition and they argued that in blocking clubs from joining and attempting to sanction those involved, UEFA and FIFA had abused a dominant position under European competition law.
However the court ruled that this was not the case, dealing a significant blow to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus - the three clubs yet to withdraw their support for the controversial plans.
In his ruling, advocate general Athanasios Rantos declared: "The FIFA-UEFA rules under which any new competition is subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law.
"Whilst ESLC is free to set up its own independent football competition outside the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, it cannot however, in parallel with the creation of such a competition, continue to participate in the football competitions organised by FIFA and UEFA without the prior authorisation of those federations.
UEFA welcomed the decision, describing it as "an encouraging step towards preserving the existing dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid".
A22 Sports Management also released a statement, declaring that the ruling is just the first step in the case and that they were pleased that the judge had recognised the right for a third party to create pan-European competitions.
The ruling in UEFA and FIFA's favour is a non-binding initial verdict, with the final decision expected in spring 2023.
