(Anti)Competitive Football Leagues

This Article discusses recent decisions from the European Court of Justice dealing with football (soccer) leagues and their governing bodies. Governing bodies adopt a number of rules allegedly necessary for the good functioning of their leagues. However, many of these rules violate the competition laws. One way to circumvent competition scrutiny is through multi-club ownership.

This business model may become more attractive given these recent decisions. This business model may, however, deplete the trust we have in sport competitions. More effective merger regulation may well be the last savior of sporting competition.