Real Madrid seeks compensation from English clubs over Super League costs

Real Madrid is pursuing six English Premier League clubs—Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur—seeking contributions for the setup costs of the ill-fated European Super League project. The Spanish club, which officially abandoned the project in February 2026 after Barcelona also withdrew, claims that these teams remain liable for expenses incurred during the initial development phase under a signed shareholders' agreement.

The project, launched in April 2021, collapsed within three days due to intense backlash from fans and football governing bodies. Reports from The Athletic indicate that the total costs associated with the venture could reach approximately €80 million, a burden currently shouldered by Real Madrid, Juventus, and Barcelona. While Real Madrid insists on the legal obligation of the English clubs to share these costs, the Premier League teams reportedly maintain that their responsibilities ceased upon their withdrawal in 2021.

As of late October 2026, the dispute remains unresolved, with the involved English clubs generally declining to comment. Legal experts anticipate that if a financial settlement is not reached, the disagreement may escalate into formal litigation, further prolonging the fallout from the failed attempt to restructure European professional football.