It has been framed as the decision that could define European football for decades. Early on Thursday morning, the European Court of Justice will deliver its recommendations in the challenge made by the three remaining Super League clubs against UEFA.
Should Athanasios Rantos, the ECJ’s advocate general, rule in favour of the European Super League Company - effectively Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus - the resurrection of a closed-shop continental competition will not just step closer to reality but threaten to obliterate the game’s hierarchical structure.
But if UEFA, who have had the backing of many European governments, find the court is in their favour then the governing body will be emboldened to push ahead with their own plans to reshape the club game. Rantos’ ruling will be wrapped up in the sort of dry language that makes the eyes of those who are not legally-minded glaze over. Yet its impact will be significant.
