Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of Bayern Munich, has reiterated the club’s disinterest in participating in a Super League, despite a recent court ruling against UEFA.
The possibility of a European Super League gained ground after the European Court of Justice’s decision stated that UEFA and FIFA were violating EU law by attempting to prevent such a separate competition.
“We have taken note of the judgement of the European Court of Justice. However, this does not change the position of Bayern and the European Club Association (ECA) that such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the constants of European football,” Dreesen, also the vice chairman of the ECA, told the press.
“The Bundesliga is a foundation stone for Bayern, just as all national leagues are the foundation of European football clubs. It is therefore our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen it, not weaken it.
We are also committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA.
“So let me make it very clear once again: the door for the Super League at Bayern remains closed.”
In a statement, Hans-Joachim Watzke, CEO of Borussia Dortmund, once again expressed his opposition, saying, “Regardless of the discussions surrounding the judgement, the following applies to Borussia Dortmund: We are not in favour of a Super League.”
The Bundesliga’s organizing body, the German Football League (DFL), highlighted specific sections of the court ruling that it thinks continue to obstruct the formation of a Super League, a move criticized by several analysts for its perceived bias against smaller clubs.
“The ECJ has confirmed that criteria for the authorization of other competitions outside the pyramid of associations of the European sports model must be transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate; this is understandable and was to be expected,” a statement read.
“The legality of the Super League is a separate issue.”The DFL explicitly supports the European sports model and rejects competitions outside of those organized by the associations and leagues.”
