Real Madrid seek Super League setup payments from Premier League six

MADRID: Real Madrid are seeking contributions toward the setup costs of the failed European Super League project from the six Premier League clubs that withdrew shortly after its launch, the Spanish side confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday. The Athletic reported that the total costs could reach €80 million ($89.9 million). Real are seeking payments from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. The six were among nine of the competition's 12 founding clubs that withdrew within three days of its launch in 2021 amid widespread opposition. Real Madrid want the six Premier League clubs that signed up to the European Super League (ESL) to pay a share of the initial costs of the abandoned project. Multiple sources with a close understanding of the situation — speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to comment publicly — said the Spanish club believe Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur should still be liable for the setup costs of the plan, despite subsequently pulling out. Exclusive story from @JamesHorncastle and @GuillermoRai_ ⬇️ 🔗 https://t.co/XuSR6IkA1G — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) October 20, 2026 Real did not immediately confirm whether they were also seeking payments from the other three early leavers, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid said the six English clubs were liable for costs incurred in establishing the competition, which have so far been covered by Juventus, Barcelona and Real. Tottenham declined to comment while the other five Premier League clubs did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The Athletic reported that the clubs signed a shareholders' agreement for the European Super League Company, the holding company behind the competition, although it is unclear whether the contract explicitly set out their liability for setup costs. The Super League collapsed shortly after its launch following the withdrawal of the nine clubs. Juventus subsequently pulled out of the project and Barcelona formally withdrew in February, leaving Real Madrid as its sole remaining founding club. Real, UEFA and European Football Clubs announced an agreement of principles on February 11 aimed at resolving their Super League-related legal disputes.