Barcelona boss Joan Laporta claims Super League ‘will be a reality by 2025’

Despite the failure of the previous attempt, the European Super League “will become a reality” in the next two years, claims Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

Initial plans for a bold breakaway Super League collapsed within 48 hours last year after a furious backlash from England fans, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man United soon making a U-turn after the owners later apologized. included primarily.

Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona have continued to push for a relegation race, with Laporta now claiming it “will be real” in two years’ time and can compete with the Premier League.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta remains optimistic about the formation of the Super League

The controversial plans were originally announced in April 2021 but collapsed within 48 hours

“I think there will be a Super League,” he told a Spanish radio station Chain Being. “In March, we will receive the decision of the EU court.

“I would not have participated in this project if it was not an open competition and it was accepted by Real Madrid, Juventus and other clubs that have not yet shown their faces but are very interested in this competition.

– We want the clubs to rule. That is why the decision of the Luxembourg court is so important. I hope UEFA is part of the governing table.

Last month, the Super League Company launched a lawsuit against UEFA, claiming it had breached EU law, but the European Court of Justice upheld UEFA’s position.

The Super League was dealt a huge blow last month when a court ruled in favor of UEFA over the league

A senior legal adviser at the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA had not breached EU law

Advocate General Athanasios Rantos said that while Superliga organizers had the right to establish an independent competition “outside the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, it cannot continue to participate in football competitions organized by FIFA and FIFA in parallel with the creation of such a competition.” UEFA without the prior consent of these associations.

Advocates-general routinely give legal advice to the ECJ. Their opinions are not binding on the court in Luxembourg, but they are followed in most cases.

A final decision, which is not expected until March, could bring the hammer down on the aspirations of Laporta and other leaders, but he remains convinced that the exit race can be pushed through.

“It will be a reality in 2025 if the decision is positive,” he continued.

“If the verdict, which is not believed to be carried out, because the defense of free competition within the framework of the EU is called into question, and I believe that it will be won.

“As a first step we have a European competition to compete with the Premier League.

“I don’t think the English teams will come in at the first stage.”

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have so far refused to give up hope that an exit can work

Bernd Reichert, chief executive of A22 Sports, the new Super League venture, insisted last month that Super League is “not dead” and is “very much alive”.

Following the legal ruling last month, UEFA said in a statement: “UEFA welcomes today’s unequivocal statement by Advocate General Rantos, which is an encouraging step towards preserving the current dynamic and democratic governance structure of the European football pyramid.

The statement reinforces the central role of the confederations in protecting the sport, nurturing the merits of the sport and the basic principles of open access for our members, and connecting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.

“Football in Europe remains united and strongly opposes ESL or any other such exit proposals that would threaten the entire European sports ecosystem.

“While we await the court’s final judgment next year, UEFA, as a non-profit governing body in the public interest, remains fully focused on its mission to develop football for all in close cooperation with national associations and leagues, clubs, players, fans, EU institutions, governments and other relevant stakeholders who has the true values ​​of football at heart.

Fans revolted after the plans were revealed, which did not include dropping 12 members

Meanwhile, FIFA added in a statement: “FIFA welcomes today’s opinion by the European Court of Justice Advocate General Rantos, in which he confirms the position and legitimacy of FIFA and UEFA to approve all new football competitions. The Advocate General also considers that competitions that do not meet the accepted criteria for approval, sanctions may be imposed.

“FIFA is also satisfied that the Ombudsman has recognized FIFA’s exclusive right to market international competitions organized by FIFA.

Finally, FIFA is pleased that the Advocate General has recognized the special nature of sport, including the pyramid structure, which preserves the meritorious nature of sport and the open competitions available to all, as well as the principles of promotion and relegation, competitive balance, and financial solidarity.