European Super League is finally over, and it brings to a close a chapter that has split European football almost 5 years. When Uefa declared a compromise with Real Madrid and European Football Clubs group, it means more than a compromise. It is a clean slate on the way elite football will be run in future.
This declaration, which was issued just before the Uefa annual congress in Brussels, laid a lot of emphasis on sporting merit, club sustainability and the experience of the fans. These arguments were not selected randomly. They respond to the fundamental reproach that dogged the Super League since it was announced in 2021. Fans were afraid of closed competition. The other smaller clubs were worried that they might be left out. Authorities were afraid of being ousted.
Real Madrid was the only remaining pillar to the breakaway project when Barcelona pulled out. Their legal claim against Uefa seemed to be serious and expensive. But the new deal indicates that the two parties were aware of the harm a long court battle would bring. Governance in football is more effective when things are stable and not when institutions engage in battles in courts.
The language that Uefa uses also alludes to reform instead of resistance. The focus on technology and the fan experience indicates that football has to change. The Super League was a failure of structure, yet its pressure caused it to start talking about things that traditional systems had long been postponing.
Another role is played by the European Football Clubs group. As Real Madrid is set to come back, there is unity back in the clubs. It is necessary that that unity is the key to sustainable competitions and equal commercial development of leagues.
The remarks of Nasser al-Khelaifi are the outburst of relief rather than triumph. The actual beneficiary in this case is the sport itself. European football does not face disintegration and maintains its pyramid of competitiveness.
The European Super League is gone, but its experience will affect the future reforms. The message is clear. It can change, however it should not interfere with competition, supporters and long term health of the game.
