Real Madrid have confirmed to Reuters that they are seeking contributions towards the setup costs of the failed European Super League project from the six Premier League clubs that withdrew shortly after its 2021 launch.
The Athletic has reported that the total costs could reach €80 million ($89.9 million). Real Madrid are seeking payments from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
These six clubs were among nine of the competition's 12 founding members that withdrew within three days of the Super League's launch in 2021 amid widespread opposition. Real Madrid 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 themselves.
Tottenham declined to comment when approached by Reuters, while the other five Premier League clubs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to The Athletic, the clubs signed a shareholders' agreement for the European Super League Company, the holding company behind the competition, although it remains unclear whether that 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 the competition's sole remaining founding club.
Real Madrid, UEFA and European Football Clubs announced an agreement of principles on February 11 aimed at resolving their Super League-related legal disputes.
