EU Court of Justice: Football Must Face Ordinary Courts, Not Separate Rules

The European Court of Justice has ruled that football cannot operate as a separate legal universe. It said disciplinary sanctions must be subject to judicial review consistent with EU law, allowing individuals to contest penalties imposed by sports tribunals. The court also stressed that effective legal remedies must exist, including the possibility of interim measures in line with national requirements. The decision has implications for major football governance bodies and national federations, pushing them to ensure sanctions are reviewable by independent courts that meet EU standards.