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

Although the previous attempt failed, a European Super League will be a “reality” within the next two years, claims Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

The original plans for a bold, breakaway Super League were thwarted within 48 hours of a furious backlash from fans in England last year, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man United soon making U-turns that the owners later backed sorry to join in the first place.

Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona have continued to push for a breakaway contest and Laporta has now claimed he will be a ‘reality’ in two years’ time and can rival the Premier League.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta remains optimistic about the formation of a Super League

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

“I think there will be a Super League,” he told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. “In March we will have the judgment of the EU Court of Justice.

“I wouldn’t be involved in this project if it wasn’t an open competition and it had been accepted by Real Madrid, Juventus and other clubs that haven’t shown themselves yet but are very interested in this competition.

“What we want is for the clubs to rule. That is why the judgment of the Luxembourg Court of Justice is so important. I hope that UEFA will be part of the governance table.”

Last month, the Super League Company took legal action against UEFA, claiming it had breached EU law, but the European Court of Justice backed UEFA’s position.

The Super League was dealt a serious blow last month when a court backed UEFA in the league

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

Advocate General Athanasios Rantos said that while the Super League organizers are entitled to stage an independent competition “outside the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, they cannot continue to participate in football competitions organized by FIFA in parallel with the establishment of such a competition and of UEFA without the prior approval of those associations.’

Advocates General routinely provide legal advice to the ECJ. Their opinions are not binding on the Luxembourg resident court, but will be followed in most cases.

A final verdict, not expected before March, could give Laporta and other executives the hammer, but he remains convinced a breakaway contest can be enforced.

“This will become a reality in 2025 if the resolution is positive,” he continued.

“If the judgment that I believe will not come because it is being challenged is the defense of free competition within the framework of the EU, and I believe that will be won.

“As a first step, we will have a European competition that will compete with the Premiership.

“I don’t think the English teams will participate in the first step.”

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

Bernd Reichert, CEO of A22 Sports, the new company working to provide a Super League, stressed last month that the Super League is “not dead” and “very much alive”.

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

“The opinion reaffirms the central role of federations in protecting sport, upholding the core principles of sporting merit and open access for all our members, and uniting football with shared responsibility and solidarity.

“Football in Europe remains united and steadfastly opposes the ESL or any such breakaway proposals that would threaten the entire European sporting ecosystem.

“While we await the final judgment of the Court of Justice, due next year, UEFA, as a non-profit, not-for-profit governing body, will remain fully focused on its mission to develop football for all, in close collaboration with national associations and leagues, clubs, Players, supporters, EU institutions, governments and other relevant stakeholders who care about the true values ​​of football.”

Fans were outraged after the plans broke, which included no relegation for the 12 members

Meanwhile, in a statement of its own, FIFA added: “FIFA welcomes the opinion issued today by Advocate General Rantos of the European Court of Justice, in which he confirms the standing and legitimacy of FIFA and UEFA to authorize new football competitions. For the same reason, the Advocate General considers that sanctions can be imposed in relation to competitions that do not meet the approved eligibility criteria.

“FIFA also welcomes the Advocate General’s recognition of FIFA’s exclusive rights to market the international competitions organized by FIFA.

“Finally, FIFA welcomes the Advocate General’s recognition of the specific nature of sport, including the pyramid structure that preserves the character of sporting merit and open competition, accessible to all, as well as the principles of promotion and relegation, competitive balance, and financial Solidarity.”