Earlier this week, Real Madrid made an official announcement confirming that they had settled in on a peace agreement to put aside their differences with UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly ECA, to work towards the betterment of football.
What it also meant was the end of the renegade European Super League project, which was spearheaded by Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez, leading to the issues between the club and the organisations.
How the agreement materialised
Now, a report from AS has revealed how the truce between Real Madrid and UEFA and the EFC came about.
A three-way summit between UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, EFC president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez has paved the way for a new phase of dialogue in European football.
The outcome was not a fully closed or definitive agreement – talks are still ongoing – but it marked a turning point: a shared recognition that the priority must be the good of the game.
The three figures, representing different power structures within European football, UEFA and the European Club Association on one side, and Real Madrid on the other, chose to rebuild bridges rather than deepen divisions.
The objective: to unblock a conflict that had escalated over the Super League dispute and legal battles. Sources close to the negotiations describe the meeting as respectful and constructive. After a lot of tension, all parties understood that the only viable path forward was dialogue.
Aleksander Ceferin, President of UEFA, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain
Real Madrid reached an agreement with UEFA and EFC. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The agreement reached is still a framework – nothing is finalised or definitive at this point. However, the focus is now on improving European competitions and ensuring long-term sustainability, rather than on confrontation.
Interestingly, Barcelona’s exit from the Super League project was reportedly not decisive in what was discussed and agreed during meeting.
What comes next
The next step is to translate the principles agreed upon into concrete reforms affecting European competitions.
Once that happens, Real Madrid are expected to withdraw their legal complaints and the €4.5 billion damages claim previously filed.
A key factor in accelerating the rapprochement was the series of favorable court rulings obtained by Real Madrid in relation to the Super League.
That legal leverage appears to have encouraged both UEFA and the ECA to seek a negotiated solution rather than prolong institutional conflict.