Real Madrid and UEFA have reached an agreement in principle that brings an end to their multi-year legal conflict tied to the controversial European Super League project. 

The move marks a significant turning point in a dispute that began after the ill-fated attempt to launch the Super League in 2021, an initiative aimed at creating a breakaway competition for elite European clubs that faced widespread backlash from fans, national leagues, governments and football authorities. 

Under the terms of the deal, both parties say they have agreed to work “for the good of European club football,” with a focus on preserving sporting merit, improving long-term sustainability and enhancing the fan experience through technology. The agreement is also designed to resolve all outstanding legal disputes connected to the Super League once its principles are fully implemented. 

Real Madrid had been pursuing legal action against UEFA after courts found certain past actions by the governing body to have breached competition rules in how it responded to the original Super League proposal. Before this settlement, club president Florentino Pérez had expressed confidence in pursuing the case and seeking damages, arguing UEFA’s conduct had been unlawful. 

The Super League project originally featured 12 founding clubs, but almost all withdrew early due to intense criticism. With Barcelona formally exiting in early February 2026, Real Madrid was the last major supporter of the concept. 

With this new agreement, both sides say they will now move forward without ongoing litigation, signaling the effective end of the Super League saga and clearing the way to focus on collaboration within UEFA’s competitive framework.