CNN  — 

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus after the teams’ involvement in the European Super League.

The three European giants were part of a group of 12 teams that announced plans to form a breakaway competition in April.

After the new format received heavy criticism, the other nine clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid – quickly reversed course, expressing regret for their actions and recommitting to UEFA club and national team competitions.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus issued a joint statement earlier this month announcing that despite “the unacceptable and ongoing pressures and threats received from UEFA,” they intended to persevere in seeking a solution to what they call an “unsustainable situation in the football industry.”

European football’s governing body released a statement on Tuesday announcing proceedings against the three teams had been opened “for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework.”

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Juventus FC President Andrea Agnelli looks on prior to the Italian Serie A football match AC Milan vs Juventus played behind closed doors on July 7, 2020 at the San Siro stadium in Milan, as the country eases its lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)
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01:24 - Source: CNN

The nine clubs which backed out were subsequently ordered to collectively donate 15 million euros ($18.25M) to charities and will forgo five percent of the revenues they would have received from competitions.

UEFA says the clubs have agreed to be fined up to 100 million euros ($121.7M) should they breach their commitments again.

It is unclear at this point what form of punishment may await Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus following UEFA’s disciplinary proceedings.