PSG Chief Nasser Al Khelaifi Uses Real Madrid’s Champions Leagues to Question Florentino Perez-Backed European Super League

Back in April 2021, 12 clubs announced the formation of the European Super League. Considering its motto is “The best clubs. The best players. Every week,” it was surprising that the proposal didn’t include two of arguably the best European clubs at the time—Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. However, the plan quickly crumbled when 10 teams withdrew, leaving only Real Madrid and Barcelona in support of the breakaway league. More than two years later, the Super League may be back in the cards. While some are happy, PSG chief Nasser Al Khelaifi definitely isn’t.

On December 21, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted unlawfully in 2021 by stopping the formation of the Super League. While Real Madrid boss Florentino Perez has been on cloud nine since the win, not everyone has the same sentiments. Nasser Al Khelaifi, in a recent conference, took a sly dig at Perez for his choice of background while discussing the ECJ’s ruling.

Perez may have been on Cloud 9, but Al Khelaifi was on ‘(Back)ground 14’

“This day will mark a before and after. It is a great day for the history of football and for the history of sport,” said Florentino Perez. But where was he standing? Ironically in front of the trophy cabinet showcasing all of Real Madrid’s 14 Champions League titles. That’s precisely what caught Al Khelaifi’s eye, as he stated during a press conference, “Strange to talk about the Super League with the UEFA Champions League trophies behind you.”

Considering Perez has been one of the few staunch supporters of the Super League, the Los Blancos President was understandably enthusiastic at the prospect of the Super League’s return. In his statement, Perez also added, “The present and future of European football are finally in the hands of the clubs, the players and their fans.” Even if European football is “finally in the hands of the clubs,” will the league even get off the ground if the clubs in question aren’t in support?

PSG, too, talked about the Super League in a media release, with the club joining a list of elites that have washed hands with the breakaway tournament. This might be an enormous blow for the ESL despite the win, as a lack of big teams could affect the league’s popularity.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola Reacts To the European Super League Ruling As Manchester City Sides With UEFA

PSG is uninterested in the Super League

Earlier today, Paris Saint-Germain issued an official statement to the media claiming the side wants to do nothing when it comes to the Super League. The Ligue 1 champions took to their website to address the Super League stating the club wishes to do nothing with ESL.

The statement read, “Paris Saint-Germain totally and utterly rejects any plans for a so-called Super League, which has been the case from day one and will always remain the case.”

The club further asserted its trust in UEFA’s competitions, stating, “As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European sporting model, the values of open competition and inclusion, and works with all recognized stakeholders in European football – above all with the fans and players, who are at the heart of the game.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer than Cristiano Ronaldo

What are your thoughts on the whole European Super League debate? Let us know in the comments below.