UEFA have announced that proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus for their role in the failed European Super League breakaway have been delayed.
It comes after an injunction had been taken out by a Madrid court in April which aimed to prevent punishing the rebel clubs .
Initially it had looked likely that all three clubs, who are still technically part of the Super League, would be at risk of a two-year Champions League ban and a heavy fine.
But a statement released by UEFA on Wednesday simply read: "Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings against FC Barcelona, Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, the UEFA Appeals Body has decided to stay the proceedings until further notice.
"UEFA understands why the disciplinary proceedings needed to be suspended for the time being, but remains confident in and will continue to defend its position in all the relevant jurisdictions.
"UEFA will take all necessary steps in strict accordance with national and EU law in order for the UEFA Appeals Body to be in a position to resume the disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible."
It is not clear how long UEFA plan to delay punishment for, but it means the three clubs involved will almost certainly feature in the Champions League next season.
The news comes after the English six involved in the Super League received their punishment from the Premier League today.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham must all pay a combined sum of £22million for their part in the doomed venture.
This equates to just over £3.5million per club, although it is currently unclear whether all six clubs will pay an equal amount.
The will go back into grassroots football and the wider footballing community, rather than to the 14 other teams in the top-flight.
However, if any of the six clubs sign up for a similar venture in the future then they could each be hit with a £20million fine and face a 30-point deduction.
The fines are smaller than were originally proposed by the Premier League, which suggested the six clubs would have to pay around £15million each and face point deductions.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who was one of the leading figures against the Super League when the news first broke, was far from impressed with the Premier League's sanctions.
And he is likely to feel the same way at UEFA's inability to hand out punishment.
Neville simply said on Twitter on Wednesday: "An absolute embarrassment!"
