The European football governing body could be forced to sanction the three clubs who are yet to withdraw from the controversial breakaway league.

UEFA have reportedly opened disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus for their involvement in the controversial breakaway European Super League. Despite plans of the inception of the competition halting as result of the withdrawal of nine of the 12 founding clubs, the trio still remain resolute in their stance and risk being sanctioned as a result.

Back in April, a massive uproar was generated across the football fratenity after news of the now-defunct competition emerged. Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, alongside the three aforementioned club, entered an agreement to create a league of 20 'super clubs' that will run concurrently alongside the UEFA Champions League. The plan, which was largely propagated by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, and uventus chairman Andrea Agnelli was to 'save football'. 

Less than 72 hours after the announcement by Europe's 'super clubs', the collapsed as result of a majority of the clubs pulling out and apologizing to their fans after reaching an agreement with UEFA. However, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus still remain adamant to change their stance to not back out. On Tuesday, UEFA issued a statement in accordance with the decision taken by the three clubs, highlighting their plan to probe and possibly sanction the non-conformists. The statement reads as follows:

"Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework.

"Further information will be made available in due course."

It is worth mentioning that the Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are eligible to feature in next season's UEFA Champions League having finishied in second, third and fourth in their respective leagues. Failure to withdraw from the Super League could see the slots being taken away from the trio. 

More to follow...