Joan Laporta: ‘I Don’t Care’ About Premier League Clubs, the European Super League Can Start Next Season

There were expectations that the European Super League would take a backseat after the protests by the fans against Premier League clubs. However, the recent court judgment has resumed the plans. Amid all the conversation about its potential inception, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has given his verdict on the European Super League. And with that, he’s expressed just how much the participation of English clubs matters to him.

“We have won the #RightToCompete,” tweeted A22 Sports – the company that conceptualized the Super League – when the ECJ ruled in favor of the tournament. “The UEFA monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free to determine their own futures.” Well, it looks like Barcelona has determined its future and is in favor of the project, per Laporta. The statement of intent came after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez announced that other clubs are eager to join them. However, some aren’t.

Joan Laporta’s vision for the Super League doesn’t necessarily include PL clubs

Despite the ECJ’s decision, fearing a repeat of last time, Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham distanced themselves. Amidst this, Joan Laporta – one of the first to back the project – has no intentions of slowing down the push to make the Super League a reality. In an interview with Rac1, the Barcelona president revealed, “The Super League can exist from next season or 2025-26. If not, I’ll think about it. Whether or not the English come, I don’t care.” Why would he, considering a “better” 16-team competition is already taking shape?

“In addition to Barça and Madrid, there would be the Italians: Inter, Milan, Naples and Roma,” Laporta continued. “Also French teams like Olympique de Marseille, and the three Portuguese: Sporting [CP], Benfica and Porto, who would be delighted to come. And there are the Dutch: Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, and Bruges and Anderlecht from Belgium. A competition of 16 teams would be better.” [Translated by Google] Any team in La Liga except Atlético is also ready.

Joan Laporta’s comments are unlikely to have an impact on the Premier League clubs. All six English clubs who joined the European Super League earlier have announced they have no intentions of re-entering the competition. However, the positive for Laporta and Florentino Perez comes from other top European clubs who are ready to join the project.

Despite the Premier League clubs’ stance on the Super League, if there comes a time when they do decide to give the tournament a second thought, there would be a catch. That catch would involve them taking a massive risk, one that will have drastic consequences. And it’s all to do with the UK government.

The UK government is taking no chances with the Super League

According to reports, the UK government and concerned authorities are already in discussions to introduce a significant bill that will settle all the dust. Set to be introduced in 2024, the Football Governance Bill will bar teams playing under the English Football Association banner from joining independent leagues. Per The Telegraph reporter Ben Rumsby, “[I] am told that the new Football Governance Bill will stop licensed clubs from joining breakaway competitions. So, no chance of Premier League teams joining a rebel Super League unless they want to be thrown out of English football.”

In light of the statements of the clubs, though, it is unlikely there will be an objection to the bill. However, it needs to come out soon because the Super League representatives are still willing to offer huge incentives. Hence, the government and Premier League authorities should address the issue quickly.

It will be interesting to witness whether other leagues also follow the Premier League lawmakers. What are your thoughts on the European Super League? Let us know in the comments!

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