-
Barcelona president names clubs prepared to join Super League.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that there is enough interest to launch the Super League next season, naming clubs that have reportedly confirmed their desire to join. Despite widespread criticism and opposition from many football stakeholders, including fans and governing bodies, Laporta claims that there is renewed motivation following a court ruling that FIFA and UEFA cannot punish clubs for joining such a competition.
The co-founder of A22, the group behind the Super League, had previously suggested that around 20 teams had approved the idea of joining. While many Premier League sides have distanced themselves from the proposed breakaway league, Laporta’s comments suggest that there are clubs interested in reviving the Super League concept.
“In addition to Barca and Real Madrid, there would be the Italians: Inter, AC Milan, Napoli and Roma,” Laporta told RAC1. “Also French teams, such as Marseille, and the three Portuguese: Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto, who would be delighted to come.
“Then there are the Dutch teams, Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV, and Club Brugge and Anderlecht from Belgium. A 16-team competition would be better.”
Laporta also laughed off the lack of interest from English sides, accusing them of creating their own Super League in the form of the Premier League anyway.
“Whether or not the English come, I don’t care,” he stressed. “They already have a Super League.”
Continuing his criticism of the current Champions League format, Laporta added: “Players, the agents, UEFA and the state clubs are getting rich; they are playing wherever they want, while the clubs like us are getting ruined. We are not getting enough from Europe’s top competition.”
FIFA’s permission is still required before the Super League can develop any concrete plans, but the world governing body may no longer deny it simply for ethical reasons; instead, they must hear the idea before reaching a final judgment.