Which clubs and leagues have rejected Real Madrid and Barcelona’s European Super League?

Manchester United, Bayern Munich, PSG and Borussia Dortmund have been the first European soccer teams to take a position on the CJEU ruling.

Both British and German teams have taken a stand against the creation of a Super League, despite the fact many Premier League clubs were founding members of the original idea.

The Premier League issue brutal rejection of Super League project

After Thursday’s ruling, the Premier League made clear its position on the subject, completely rejecting the new competition format which, as of Thursday, has the green light to go ahead.

“The Premier League notes today’s judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the “European Superleague Company”, FIFA and UEFA. This is a significant ruling and we will now fully examine its implications for the game.

The ruling does not endorse the so-called “European Super League” and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a “breakaway” competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.

The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions.”

“Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to international club competitions and the longstanding rivalries and rituals that come with weekends being reserved for domestic football.”

Ligue 1 stands firm

It does so in the words of the competition’s president. Vicente Labroure has issued a statement.

“The LFP unequivocally supports the competitions organized by UEFA. Nothing can replace the legitimacy, credibility and prestige of European competitions as they have been organized for more than 60 years.”

Atletico Madrid are against the European Super League

“Atletico Madrid, after analyzing the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union, would like to state the following:

“The European football family does not want the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (with the exception of Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. do not want the Super League. We are in favor of protecting the big family of European football, protecting the domestic leagues and through them qualifying for European competitions on the pitch every season.”

In addition, in this week’s EA Sports LaLiga matches, the other teams have agreed to wear t-shirts to demonstrate the Spanish league’s dissatisfaction with the European Super League.

Manchester United have changed their stance

Despite the infamous Glazer family being one of the key early supporters and “brains” behind the original European Super League idea, in an example of quite stupendous cowardice they have made clear Manchester United do not support the idea as of December 2023.

Whilst their word carries less than no weight among supporters, they felt the need to release a statement, reiterating their stance.

“Manchester United has issued the following statement in reaction to today’s judgement by the European Court of Justice on the European Super League,” the statement read.

“Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been against the idea from the beginning

“We have taken note of the judgement of the European Court of Justice. However, this does not change FC Bayern’s and the ECA’s position that such a competition would be an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the structure of European football,” explained Bayern Munich‘s CEO, Jan Christian Dreesen.

“The Bundesliga is the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues are the foundation of other European football clubs. It is therefore our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not to weaken them.

“We are also committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So let me make it very clear once again that the door for the Super League remains closed at FC Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, had a much more succinct rejection of the ruling.

“We are not available for the Super League,” Watzke declared in a statement.

Paris Saint-Germain are out too

“Paris Saint-Germain categorically rejects any and all plans for the so-called Super League, a stance held since day one and will always be maintained,” stated the president of the Parisian club.

“As a proud European institution, PSG upholds the principles of the European sports model, values of open competition, and inclusion. The club collaborates with all recognized stakeholders in European football, especially with fans and players, who are the heart of the sport.”

Roma will not join the European Super League

“Following today’s judgement delivered by the ECJ on the ESL case, AS Roma reiterates its position in committing to the values and future of European football,” the Giallorossi said in an official statement.

“The club in no way endorses any so-called Super League project that would present an unacceptable attack on the importance of the national leagues and the foundations of European football.

“AS Roma believes that European football’s future well-being can only be secured through clubs working together through ECA in strong partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA.”