Real Madrid demands English clubs pay their share of the Super League

Real Madrid is demanding that the six English clubs that signed up for the Super League cover their share of the bill, even though they abandoned the project in April 2021. The white club argues that they remain responsible for the start‑up costs.

Real Madrid's financial claim

According to a report from The Athletic signed by James Horncastle and Guillermo Rai, the costs could amount to €80 million. To date, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have covered the promotional expenses among themselves.

The white club believes the bill should be split among the 12 founders of the Super League. Of those, nine clubs abandoned the project a few days later: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Atlético de Madrid, Milan and Inter.

The six English clubs that signed the agreement – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – withdrew in April 2021, but Real Madrid still considers them responsible for the initial expenses.

Legal implications and next steps

The shareholders' agreement signed with the Super League company, based in Spain, obliged the clubs to “own and jointly manage” the project, although it is not clear whether it includes financial obligations. Florentino Pérez stated in 2021 that the clubs cannot abandon it.

The English clubs have not clarified whether they feel bound, although they have hinted that their obligations ended long ago. A22, the project's promoter, has declined to comment.

According to sources from the white club, the money would not be directed to Real Madrid but to the Super League company. If an agreement is not reached, the club could go to court.

The claim coincides with the hiring of Bernd Reichart, former executive director of A22, as head of business operations, who will join once he wraps up his affairs at the company.