UEFA Under Investigation by CNMC for Restrictive Practices in European Football Competitions

Strategic Insights -

The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) of Spain has launched an investigation into the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for allegedly restricting competition in the organization of European football competitions. The inquiry centers on a UEFA agreement with nine football clubs to prevent them from participating in European competitions other than their own. This investigation is a significant development in the world of European football, with far-reaching implications for the sport's governing bodies and the clubs involved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CNMC is investigating UEFA for possible conduct contrary to Articles 1 and 2 of the Competition Law and Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
  • The investigation focuses on a UEFA agreement with nine football clubs to restrict their participation in European competitions.
  • The CNMC has identified substantial evidence of potential violations of Articles 1 and 2 of the LDC, as well as Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU.
  • The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by company A22.
  • UEFA announced that it could exclude teams from its competitions and/or impose various measures on them.
  • The CNMC has opened a maximum period of 24 months for the resolution of the investigation.
  • The CNMC is scrutinizing UEFA's actions in relation to the organization of European football competitions.

Statistics:

  • 24 months: maximum period of time available for the resolution of the investigation.
  • 9: number of football clubs involved in the UEFA agreement.
  • 1 and 2: Articles of the Competition Law being investigated by the CNMC.
  • 101 and 102: Articles of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union being investigated by the CNMC.
  • A22: the company that filed the complaint leading to the investigation.

Sources:

  • The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC)
  • Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
  • Company A22