Juventus’s intention to abandon the Super League project threatens to leave Barça and Real Madrid alone, the only public defenders of the new competition. The European Association of Clubs (ECA) has applauded the decision of the vecchia signora and asks, in the mouth of its president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, that the blaugranas and the whites “return” to the body that covers all the football clubs in the continent.
“Right now they are alone, it seems that they are against everyone. I think it is better that they return. They must realize the mistake they have made and correct it, it would be the smartest thing to do. It is a waste of time, energy and money. It is Better that they concentrate on their club, that they return to the family, which is the true ecosystem of football”, he stated.
The also president of PSG, aligned with UEFA in its goal of torpedoing the Super League, added that both Barça and Real Madrid “would be welcome” to the ECA. “I encourage them to do it. I welcome all those who realize their own mistake. It’s what we have to do. It’s valid for Juventus and for the others. I’m not criticizing anyone. They know what they have done and what they should do,” he insisted.
Al Khelaifi, who replaced the former president of Juventus, Andrea Agnelli, at the head of the ECA, on the occasion of the announcement of the creation of the Super League in April 2021, did not want to get into the financial difficulties of the Italian club and Barça (“they are problems I don’t get into theirs, they have their lawyers who help them solve them”) after the ECA Executive Committee held in Istanbul, hours before the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
The association meeting included in its agenda the economic data for the 2023-27 cycle, as well as the upcoming elections to this body and the signing of an agreement with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) that entails the donation of 500,000 euros destined to help those affected by the earthquakes in early February in Turkey and Syria.
On the other hand, Al Khelaifi ruled out that he is working for Qatar to become the owner of Manchester United, for sale by the Glazers for months. “PSG is my club” he indicated, in addition to ensuring that he will always support whoever wants to invest in football, regardless of the country.
