Real Madrid seeks cost recovery from Premier League clubs over failed Super League

Real Madrid has formally sought financial contributions from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to help cover the costs incurred in establishing the European Super League, a source close to the club revealed this week.

The breakaway competition collapsed within days of its April launch after fierce opposition from fans, regulators and governing bodies across Europe. The six English clubs were among the founding members but swiftly withdrew from the project, citing public and political backlash.

While the initiative ultimately failed, Real Madrid and the other European clubs involved incurred substantial expenses during the planning and setup phases. The Spanish club's decision to seek reimbursement from the departing English members reflects tensions within the group over how costs should be distributed following the project's abandonment.

The move highlights ongoing divisions between European football's elite over future revenue-sharing arrangements and the sport's competitive structure. Real Madrid and other backers have maintained that the Super League concept addresses financial imbalances in European club football, though the format proposed faced widespread criticism for its closed-shop model and perceived threat to existing competitions.