Real Madrid had been the final major club backing the project after Barcelona confirmed its withdrawal last week. The Spanish giants had previously sought substantial damages from UEFA following legal rulings linked to the proposed tournament.

A joint statement from UEFA, European Football Clubs (EFC) and Real Madrid said: "Following months of discussions conducted in the best interests of European football, UEFA, EFC and Real Madrid announce that they have reached an agreement of principles for the wellbeing of European club football, respecting the principle of sporting merit with emphasis on long-term club sustainability and the enhancement of fan experience through the use of technology.

"This agreement of principles will also serve to resolve their legal disputes related to the European Super League, once such principles are executed and implemented."

The Super League was first launched in April 2021 by 12 elite European clubs, including six from the Premier League, but collapsed within 72 hours following widespread backlash from supporters, governments and football authorities.

Real Madrid, led by president Florentino Perez, remained a key supporter and continued legal challenges against UEFA after a Madrid court ruled in October 2025 that UEFA and Spanish football authorities had acted anti-competitively by attempting to block the competition. The ruling followed a European Court of Justice decision in 2023 which found that banning clubs from joining rival tournaments was unlawful.

Attempts to revive the project, including a revised 96-club "Unify League" proposal in 2024, failed to attract sufficient backing.

The new agreement is expected to end Real Madrid's threat of a multibillion-euro lawsuit against UEFA while reaffirming UEFA's control over European competitions.

Real Madrid will now turn their focus back to domestic and European competition, sitting one point behind Barcelona in La Liga and preparing for a Champions League play-off against Benfica.

Arsenal's pursuit of Alexander Isak hindered by financial constraints