Real Madrid and UEFA have reached an agreement to end their years-long legal dispute over the breakaway European Super League, marking a significant shift in European football governance. The Spanish giants had been the last remaining club from the original 12 founders still pursuing the project after Barcelona formally withdrew earlier this month.

Madrid's president Florentino Pérez had remained defiant as recently as November, insisting the club would "tirelessly pursue" its right to organize an independent competition and seek damages from UEFA. The dispute began in 2021 when UEFA blocked the attempted launch and threatened participating clubs with sanctions, prompting A22 Sports Management to take the case to the European Court of Justice.

The 2023 court ruling found UEFA's prior rules on approving new competitions had breached EU law, giving Madrid grounds to claim "substantial damages" over UEFA's handling of the matter. The new agreement emphasizes "sporting merit" and "long-term club sustainability" while resolving all outstanding legal disputes once implemented principles are executed.