Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid are the only founding members of the breakaway competition that have so far refused to abandon the project.

UEFA threatened the clubs with legal action and planned to suspend them from this year’s Champions League, but it was announced in May that legal proceedings would be delayed after a Madrid court accused the governing body of acting “outside the rule of law”.

The UEFA Appeals Body has now announced that the case against the three clubs will be dropped.

A statement from the governing body read: “Following the stay of proceedings against FC Barcelona, Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF, in the matter related to a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’, the UEFA Appeals Body has declared today the proceedings null and void as if the proceedings had never been opened.”

The European Superleague was a controversial plot to form a new competition that would challenge the Champions League for supremacy in European football. It was announced in April.

Nine other clubs which include Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Inter announced that they would also join the Super League as founding members. But the plan quickly fell apart amid protests from fans as UEFA and the national football associations across Europe spoke out against the idea.

The Premier League teams, Atletico, Milan and Inter all announced they would be pulling out of the plan within days of the initial announcement. The clubs that pulled out agreed to pay a total of £22 million ($31m) to UEFA but now the governing body has also cancelled the fines.

The clubs are the only three of the original 12 to have not distanced themselves from the project despite heavy criticism from fans and football pundits.

UEFA said in a statement “Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework, further information will be made available in due course”

The European football body’s statutes include a section on “prohibited groupings” of clubs or leagues forming without UEFA’s permission or outside its control.

UEFA’s move raises the prospect of the three clubs being sanctioned, with some reports suggesting they face expulsion from UEFA competitions such as the Champions League for a period of two years.

The three clubs are the only teams of the original 12 Super League clubs who signed up for the breakaway competition not to have formally renounced the competition and renewed their commitments to UEFA.

The trio could be expelled from the Champions League for two years as a consequence.

UEFA released a statement on Wednesday which read: ‘In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, UEFA Ethics, and Disciplinary Inspectors have today been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework by Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project.

‘Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.’

The two-year ban from Europe’s leading club competition is the harshest sanction at UEFA’s disposal.

The prospect of disciplinary action appeared inevitable last Friday when a statement confirming the peace accord with nine of the clubs ended: “UEFA has reserved all rights to take whatever action it deems appropriate against those clubs that have so far refused to renounce the so-called ‘Super League’.

“The matter will promptly be referred to the competent UEFA disciplinary bodies.”

The nine other clubs including the Premier League’s ‘big six’ ( Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur) committed themselves to UEFA competitions over the threat of heavy fines and expulsion if there was any renewed attempt by any one of them to break away.

However, Real, Barca, and Juve issued a joint statement on Saturday standing by the Super League project, stating it was lawful and that it would be “highly irresponsible” of them not to continue to look at ways to answer what they see as the “existential questions which threaten football”.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was announced as the chairman of the Super League in the statement confirming its foundation.

His Juventus counterpart, Andrea Agnelli, resigned from his position on UEFA’s executive committee and his chairmanship of the European Club Association in order to sign up for the project. He became a vice-chairman of the league, which collapsed within 72 hours when the English clubs withdrew amid fan protests, Government pressure, and managerial staff.

Manchester United’s co-chairman, Joel Glazer was also a vice-chairman of the ESL. His family have committed to paying United’s share of a 15million euros ‘goodwill contribution’ as part of the club’s reintegration to the UEFA fold, and to covering the five per cent of competition revenue that will be withheld from the nine clubs next season.

The Super League was announced on April 18, but within 72 hours it had fallen apart with the English clubs withdrawing after fan protests and Government pressure.

Nine of the original 12 European Super League clubs, including the Premier League’s Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City declared their commitment to UEFA and its competitions at the continental and domestic level on Friday, May 7. The clubs also agreed to give a percentage of its earnings next season to UEFA.

The nine clubs face fines of 100m euros (almost £87m) each if they seek to join an unauthorised competition in the future, and a fine of half that if they breach any other terms of the declaration, UEFA said in a statement.

However, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona have refused to quit the European Super League saying it will be modified and the other clubs risk financial penalties if they decide to leave the European Super League.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus on Saturday, May 8, issued a joint statement vowing to “persevere in the pursuit of adequate solutions” amid the fallout from the European Super League, warning UEFA to stop threatening them while denouncing the “intolerable” pressure put on them by UEFA to drop the project.

It read: “In relation to the statement released by UEFA on the 7th May in respect of the Super League and the position taken by 9 of its founding clubs, Fútbol Club Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol state the following: I- The founding clubs have suffered, and continue to suffer, unacceptable third-party pressures, threats, and offences to abandon the project and therefore desist from their right and duty to provide solutions to the football ecosystem via concrete proposals and constructive dialogue. This is intolerable under the rule of law and Tribunals have already ruled in favour of the Super League proposal, ordering FIFA and UEFA too, either directly or through their affiliated bodies, refrain from taking any action which may hinder this initiative in any way while court proceedings are pending. II- The Super League project was designed jointly by its 12 founding clubs: a. with the aim of providing solutions to the current unsustainable situation in the football industry. The 12 founding clubs shared the same concerns -as other stakeholders in European football do-, particularly under the current socio-economic context, that structural reforms are indispensable to ensure our sport stays appealing and survives in the long term. To that effect, on 18th April, they announced their willingness to create the Super League and establish a channel of communication with UEFA and FIFA, in a constructive spirit of collaboration between the parties, as it was so notified to each of them on such date; b. with the utmost respect for the current football structures and ecosystem. The founding clubs expressly agreed that the Super League would only take place if such competition was recognised by UEFA and/or FIFA or if, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, it was deemed to be a competition duly compatible for all purposes with the continuity of the founding clubs in their respective domestic competitions. However, despite being aware of the above terms, UEFA and FIFA have so far refused to establish any adequate channel of communication; and c. to bring financial stability to the entire European football family, currently under the effects of a deep crisis that threatens the survival of many clubs. Testament of it, the announced commitment to establish annual solidarity payments for guaranteed annual amounts that materially multiply those distributed by UEFA, and the obligation to reinforce financial sustainability rules, through the creation of a clear, transparent and effective control system verified by experts. III- The 12 founding clubs also acknowledged that the Super League was a unique opportunity to offer fans around the world the best possible show and to reinforce global interest in the sport, which is not a ‘given’ and is challenged by new generational trends. Moreover, one of its main objectives was to promote women’s football on a global level, a tremendous, but currently underestimated, an opportunity for the sector. IV- We are fully aware of the diversity of reactions to the Super League initiative and, consequently, of the need to reflect on the reasons for some of them. We are ready to reconsider the proposed approach, as necessary. However, we would be highly irresponsible if, being aware of the needs and systemic crisis in the football sector, which led us to announce the Super League, we abandoned such mission to provide effective and sustainable answers to the existential questions that threaten the football industry. V- We regret to see that our friends and founding partners of the Super League project have now found themselves in such an inconsistent and contradictory position when signing a number of commitments to UEFA yesterday. However, given that the material issues that led the 12 founding clubs to announce the Super League weeks ago have not gone away, we reiterate that, to honour our history, to comply with our obligations towards our stakeholders and fans, for the good of football and for the financial sustainability of the sector, we have the duty to act in a responsible manner and persevere in the pursuit of adequate solutions, despite the unacceptable and ongoing pressures and threats received from UEFA. VI- Mostly, we reiterate to FIFA, UEFA and all football stakeholders, as we have done on several occasions since the announcement of the Super League, our commitment and firm will discuss, with respect and without intolerable pressure and in accordance with the rule of law, the most appropriate solutions for the sustainability of the whole football family”.

The governing body of European football said that “in a spirit of reconciliation” the nine clubs had agreed to a “Club Commitment Declaration” and accepted a five per cent cut in their European revenue for one season.

UEFA said the three holdouts, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus, would be “promptly referred” to disciplinary bodies.

Ronaldo’s future at Juventus has been in doubt ever since their shock Champions League exit at the hands of Porto last month.

Juventus nine-year dominance of the Italian Serie A also appears to be coming to an end as they sit 11 points behind leaders Inter Milan with just six games remaining.

The front page of the Italian newspaper, Gazzetta Dello Sport claims United have made contact as Juventus’ current poor run has left the 36-year-old angry and tired of playing for a side that has not been able to match his ambitions this season.

Juventus would reportedly sell for as little as £26million (€30m) and the report claims United spoke with Ronaldo’s representative and super-agent Jorge Mendes last
week.

The report says while Juventus would be very happy to get rid of the former Real Madrid star’s £27m (€31m) salary, the player himself reportedly has no intention of giving up such wages until his contract expires in June next year.

The report adds that Ronaldo’s annual salary would need to be halved for United to make a move, but he could still be tempted to return to the club where he made his name after having a lack of support this season in Italy.

United boss and Ronaldo’s former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would reportedly be thrilled to coach him for at least a year, while Juventus would be willing to sell the player in their bid to rejuvenate their squad.

The withdrawals by Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham came just 48 hours after the league’s unveiling late on Sunday following a furious response from fans and officials.

The three Italian clubs involved, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, admitted defeat and La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid also pulled out.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have yet to make any comment but the project in its current form is dead in the water.

AC Milan was one of the main drivers behind the plans, having missed out on the Champions League for the past seven seasons.

The seven-time European champions said the change was necessary due to the changing football landscape but admitted they “must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport”.

Italian champions Juventus said they remained “convinced of the soundness of the project’s sport, commercial and legal premises” but accepted it could not go ahead in its original form.

The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.

But the project was vehemently opposed across the football spectrum, from fans to players, coaches, politicians and UEFA and FIFA, the European and world football bodies.

European body UEFA will look to support from the world football chief at its congress in Switzerland as it attempts to quash an initiative that threatens its prized Champions League and the health of domestic competitions such as England’s Premier League.

Twelve powerful clubs, six from England, and three each from Spain and Italy — have signed up for the Super League, which offers guaranteed spots for its founding members and billions of dollars in payments.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the English clubs involved, together with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid from Spain and Italy’s Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Three more clubs are expected to sign up, including “at least two” from France, a source told AFP. Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain is a notable absentee, while Bayern Munich, the reigning European champions, have distanced themselves from the project.

Five more clubs will qualify annually for the 20-team, midweek competition, where two groups of 10 will precede two-legged quarter- and semi-finals and a one-off final. The competition is due for launch “as soon as is practicable”.

FIFA’s reaction so far, ahead of Infantino’s speech at the opening of the UEFA congress, has been markedly less strident, expressing “disapproval” and calling for dialogue.

The world body’s stance is likely to be crucial. In January, FIFA and the six global confederations warned that any club or player involved in a breakaway would be ineligible for FIFA competitions.

Backed by finance company JP Morgan, the Super League is offering the founding clubs 3.5 billion euros ($4 billion, £3 billion) for infrastructure investment and to offset pandemic costs.

The clubs, most of them heavily indebted and saddled with enormous player salaries, are expected to receive a further 10 billion euros in “solidarity payments” over the life of the initial commitment — much more than the returns available in the Champions League.

The breakaway announcement came just hours before UEFA announced a new, 36-team format for the Champions League, which had been conceived to placate the continent’s biggest clubs.

The Juventus and Portuguese superstar overtook the Brazilian’s total last weekend by netting a hat-trick in his side’s 3-1 victory Cagliari to take his own tally to 770 goals.

Before the Old Lady’s Serie A fixture with Benevento on Sunday, March 21, which they lost 1 – 0 at home, Ronaldo was handed a shirt with ‘G.O.A.T 770’ on the back, claiming that the Portuguese forward is the ‘Greatest Of All Time’.

The presentation was done by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli.

On achieving the milestone in his career, Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: ‘Today, as I reach the 770th official goal in my professional career, my first words go straight to Pele. There’s no player in the world who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception. And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that puts me on top of the world’s goal-scoring list, overcoming Pele’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira.’

Pele responded to Ronaldo’s comments, posting: ‘Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches. I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone. My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today.’

Ronaldo’s tally of goals includes 668 at club level, including 188 for Manchester United and 450 for Real Madrid, while he has also scored 120 goals at the international level for Portugal.

The Argentine forward confirmed on March 21 that he and his girlfriend, Oriana Sabatini, had been diagnosed with COVID-19. The 26-year-old, who had previously failed four tests announced on Wednesday that he has finally recovered fully from the virus. But he didn’t reveal if his girlfriend was now virus-free.

He posted a message on Instagram that read: “My face says it all, I’m finally cured from COVID-19.”

A statement from the Juventus also declared that: “Paulo Dybala performed, as per protocol, a double-check with diagnostic tests (swabs) for Coronavirus-COVID 19, which came back with negative results. The player has, therefore, recovered and will no longer be subjected to the home isolation regime.”