Real Madrid Pursues Financial Recovery from Premier League Clubs Over Super League

Real Madrid has initiated a push to recover start-up costs associated with the ill-fated European Super League (ESL) project. The Spanish club is reportedly targeting the six Premier League teams that were among the original twelve founding members before withdrawing from the venture shortly after its public announcement in April 2021. Estimates suggest these outstanding costs could reach as high as €80 million.

According to reports, the funds are being sought on behalf of the European Super League Company, the Spain-based entity established to manage the competition. All twelve founding clubs, including the English contingent, had previously signed a shareholders' agreement that remains the focal point of this financial dispute. It is unclear whether the Premier League clubs still acknowledge their obligations under those original 2021 contracts.

This development follows a period of significant legal turbulence surrounding the project. While Real Madrid previously engaged in a high-profile legal battle with UEFA regarding the governing body's attempts to block the breakaway league, that dispute was largely resolved in February 2026 through an agreement of principles. With the broader legal conflict against UEFA settled, the focus has shifted toward internal financial accountability among the former partners.

Representatives for the Premier League clubs have largely remained silent or declined to comment on the matter. The six English teams—Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham—previously faced separate financial penalties and settlements with the Premier League following the project's collapse. As of now, the A22 Sports Management group, which acted as the primary promoter for the Super League, has also refrained from providing an official statement regarding the recovery efforts.