The European Super League might seem a surreal memory now, but the fallout rumbles on for three of its founders.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have still not withdrawn from the short-lived breakaway league despite persistent warnings that they face being punished by Uefa.
European football’s governing body announced on Tuesday that it has formally begun disciplinary proceedings.
A statement confirmed: “Following an investigation conducted by Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspectors in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of Uefa’s legal framework.”
According to Spanish radio station Cope, the trio face being expelled from next season’s Champions League, though Uefa could not confirm any specific sanctions as the disciplinary bodies will be independent.
As seen with Manchester City, that could be easier said than done. Pep Guardiola‘s side were initially hit with a two-season ban from the competition in February 2020, only for the court of arbitration for sport (CAS) to overturn the decision. City’s fine was also reduced on appeal from €30m (£26m) to €10m.
It seems likely that the three clubs in the dock this time around would contest any retribution, though a recent statement confirmed they are still pushing ahead with the Super League plans and, as a result, it’s unclear whether they intend to play in future iterations of the existing European tournament regardless.
Who would qualify instead?
If Uefa is successful in banning Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, then three slots would need to be filled for next season’s Champions League, as all three qualified through their league standings.
Juventus only narrowly made it into the top four on the final day of the Serie A season, so fifth-placed Napoli would take their place at the top table instead.
In La Liga, it would be Real Sociedad and Real Betis who would join Atletico Madrid and Sevilla in the competition as they finished fifth and sixth – though there could be further complications if seventh-placed Villarreal win the Europa League final against Manchester United, as that would see them qualify for the Champions League too.
Will that be the only punishment?
Uefa is also expected to issue substantial fines. Financial punishments would be of particular concern for the two Spanish giants, who are already in serious debt.
However, even more serious would be the potential loss of revenue from TV rights, prize money, and gate receipts if they were thrown out of the Champions League.
What would it mean for the clubs going forward?
Ironically, instead of deterring the offending clubs as intended, any punishments could strengthen their resolve.
Part of the motivation for establishing the Super League was borne of a determination to wrestle more power from Uefa, so a further deterioration in relations will do little to convince Florentino Perez and co to back down.
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3bQzqVV
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