A22 Sports, the company created to drive forward a controversial European Super League, has tried to find the positives after a seemingly bad day at the European Court of Justice.
Back in April 2021, Liverpool and 11 other top teams from across the continent announced plans to form a breakaway competition. The scheme was halted within hours after scorn from fans, existing institutions and the wider football family.
But the story is far from over. The European Superleague Company - effectively made up of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus who are still committed to the project - initiated legal proceedings through the Madrid courts over what it saw as a UEFA monopoly on the European game.
READ MORE: UEFA handed 'total victory' in huge blow for European Super League and future plots
READ MORE: Liverpool youngster who left controversially and dumped agent is getting back on track
A22 is involved as a "co-claimant" in the case against UEFA and FIFA.
Earlier today, Athanasios Rantos - Advocate General at the European Court of Justice - released his 'Opinion' on proceedings which appeared to come down firmly on the side of the two governing bodies.
While the Advocate General's take is non-binding, it is usually expected to guide the final outcome of the case. Mr Rantos' view indicated UEFA and FIFA should have the right to block the creation of new competitions such as the doomed Super League - and also to issue punishments to sides that participate in breakaway projects.
Reports today have widely portrayed developments as "massive blow" for the Super League and a "pretty big win" for UEFA.
A22 see things a little differently, biting back at "monopolistic" UEFA in a response of their own.
In a statement released by the company this afternoon, the promoters highlighted these points: "[Mr Rantos] stated that UEFA is the dominant, even monopolistic organiser of all major European club competitions and bears a 'special responsibility' to ensure no third parties are unduly denied access to the market.
"AG Rantos stated that the conditions of access to the market must be clear, objective and as detailed as possible so that organisers of third-party competitions are able to comply with them. For any third-party organisers who fulfil these conditions, the federation in question should not refuse access. In particular, UEFA may not take into account their own self-interest in any authorisation process."
Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22 Sports Management, added: “The opinion of the Advocate General is one step in an ongoing case, and we are pleased with the recognition of the right of third parties to organise pan-European club competitions. The Advocate General made clear that UEFA has a monopolistic position which comes with important responsibilities for enabling third parties to act freely in the market.
"However, we believe the 15 judges of the Grand Chamber who are entrusted with the responsibility to examine this case, will go substantially further and provide the opportunity for clubs to manage their own destiny in Europe.”
UEFA put out a statement this morning which said: "UEFA warmly welcomes today’s unequivocal Opinion recommending a ruling of the CJEU in support of our central mission to govern European football, protect the pyramid and develop the game across Europe."
After the swift collapse of the Super League last year, FSG chief and Liverpool owner John Henry recorded a video apology to Reds fans, shouldering the blame for the club's part in the plot.
In a statement sent to the ECHO later in 2021, that first appeared in the Guardian, Liverpool's stance was explained in further detail.
"Our involvement in the proposed ESL plans has been discontinued," the statement read. "We are absolutely committed to following that through and there should be no ambiguity to suggest otherwise. We are acting on the best legal advice and approach to appropriately end our involvement."
A final judgment is expected to be delivered at the Court of Justice in Spring 2023.
READ NEXT
Liverpool team meeting in Dubai has just confirmed Jurgen Klopp plan
Jurgen Klopp spotted chatting with FSG chief as Liverpool star absent from training
'Of course I do' - Kyle Walker makes honest admission on Liverpool and Man City title battles
Kylian Mbappe's mum makes Liverpool 'point' as World Cup picture emerges
Why Ibrahima Konate missed France dressing room celebrations after reaching World Cup final
