Real Madrid wants six leading English clubs to reimburse part of the expenses incurred in establishing the European Super League.
According to The Athletic, the Spanish club believes Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham should cover their share of the initial costs, despite later withdrawing from the project.
The claim could amount to €80 million
As reported by The Athletic citing various sources, the total compensation sought could reach up to €80 million.
Initial expenses related to the promotion and organisation of the tournament were shared among Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus. Now, the Madrid club is pushing for the English participants to reimburse their respective portions.
However, the specific amounts that might be claimed from each club remain undisclosed. The information regarding the claims is based on reports from sources, rather than on any published official financial request.
How the Super League came about
The announcement for the European Super League came in April 2021. Initially, it was set to feature 12 of the top European clubs in a separate international tournament.
However, the initiative faced fierce backlash from fans, football organisations, and members of the public. Most founding clubs withdrew from participation within days of the announcement.
Among the English participants were all representatives of the so-called 'Big Six' of the Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
The fallout from the withdrawal of participants
Juventus officially pulled out of the project in 2023. By 2026, both Barcelona and Real Madrid also distanced themselves from the initiative, according to information from the original publication.
Now, the financial ramifications of the initial organisation of the tournament have resurfaced. Real Madrid is demanding compensation for expenses from the English clubs that initially supported the initiative but later stepped back.
It remains unclear whether these demands will lead to formal claims, negotiations among the clubs, or even legal disputes. The estimated amount of up to €80 million continues to stem from sources within The Athletic.
