Nine Super League clubs accept fines, trio face bans

Only nine of the 12 European soccer clubs who launched an ill-fated bid to form a Super League have agreed to a peace deal with UEFA and accepted being fined millions of dollars.

The remaining trio of rebels are at risk of being banned from the Champions League for not renouncing the breakaway. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have refused to approve what UEFA on Friday called “reintegration measures,” and they will be referred to UEFA disciplinary bodies for sanctions after backing the new largely closed competition.

The Super League project imploded three weeks ago after the English clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham — backed out inside 48 hours after a backlash from the fans and British government.

The Premier League clubs along with Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan have officially signed up to a settlement with UEFA to participate only in the existing open European competitions and accepted giving up five per cent of revenue for one season playing in Europe.

It wasn’t specified if that would be this or a future season.

Teams from England and Spain reaching the final can earn more than 100 million pounds ($139 million U.S.), meaning five million euros ($6 million U.S.) would be sacrificed.

The nine clubs will also make a combined payment of 15 million euros ($18.25 million U.S.) for what UEFA called a “gesture of goodwill” to benefit children, youth and grassroots football.