UEFA launch probe into Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Juventus over failed rebel European Super League

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Standing firm: UEFA will punish the three clubs standing by the rebel super league
AFP via Getty Images

Rebel clubs Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are being investigated after refusing to turn their backs on the proposed European Super League.

The European game’s governing body, UEFA, launched a disciplinary investigation into the clubs on Wednesday after they claimed the new league was “lawful”.

The clubs were three of the driving forces behind the doomed breakaway and, unlike the other nine involved — including the Premier League’s Big Six — have not withdrawn from the proposal.

UEFA released a statement on Wednesday which read: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations, UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspectors have today been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project.

“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

The prospect of disciplinary action appeared inevitable last Friday when a statement confirming the peace accord with nine of the clubs ended: “UEFA has reserved all rights to take whatever action it deems appropriate against those clubs that have so far refused to renounce the so-called ‘Super League’.

“The matter will promptly be referred to the competent UEFA disciplinary bodies.”

The nine other clubs — including the Premier League’s ‘big six’ of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham — committed themselves to existing national and UEFA competitions, with the threat of heavy fines and expulsion if there was any renewed attempt by any one of them to break away.

However, Real, Barca and Juve issued a joint statement on Saturday standing by the Super League project, stating it was lawful and that it would be “highly irresponsible” of them not to continue to look at ways to answer what they see as the “existential questions which threaten football”.

Additional reporting by PA.

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