September 28, (THEWILL) – In their appeal against the verdict that they must withdraw their disciplinary procedures against Super League rebels Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid, UEFA has requested for the removal of a judge from a Madrid court.
The three clubs, who are still pushing for the formation of a separate league, won a Spanish court judgement ordering UEFA to drop their intentions to penalise them for their Super League ambitions, which UEFA reluctantly agreed to late Monday as THEWILL reported.
UEFA, on the other hand, has acknowledged that they have appealed the verdict and are hoping for the judge who issued the initial ruling to resign while the case is still being heard.
An official statement from UEFA to this effect read: “Following its announcement yesterday on the so-called ‘Super League’ project and the respective compliance measures UEFA has taken, UEFA reaffirms its view that it has always acted in accordance with not only its Statutes and Regulations, but also with EU law, the European Convention on Human Rights and Swiss law in connection with this so-called ‘Super League’ project.
“UEFA remains confident in – and will continue to defend – its position in all the relevant jurisdictions.
“UEFA has always acted in good faith throughout the proceedings pending before a Court in Madrid. Accordingly – and notwithstanding that UEFA does not recognise the jurisdiction of the Court in Madrid and firmly believes that it has always acted in full compliance with the pending proceedings – UEFA has today made formal submissions to the Court in Madrid evidencing its ongoing compliance with the orders.
“In addition, UEFA has filed a motion for the recusal of the judge presiding over the current proceedings as it believes there are significant irregularities in these proceedings. In line with Spanish law – and in the fundamental interests of justice – UEFA fully expects the judge in question to immediately stand aside pending the full and proper consideration of this motion.
“Further, UEFA shall also be making a formal appeal to a higher court, the Provincial Court of Madrid (Court of Appeal).
“UEFA will continue to take all necessary steps, in strict accordance with national and EU law, in order to defend its interests and – most importantly – those of its members and all football stakeholders.”
Barcelona, Juventus, and Real will not face any penalties as a result of their involvement in the Super League, and the nine clubs that have withdrawn and apologized – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and Inter – will not be required to pay the pre-agreed fines.
Those nine clubs had committed to donate a total of £22 million to grassroots and community projects, but have been assured that no payments will be required for the time being because UEFA is not authorised to sanction Super League clubs.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
