The Super League European that yearned Real Madrid y Barçaone of the most controversial but also ambitious projects of modern football, could be closer than ever to reach an agreement with the UEFA. This has affirmed Joan Laportapresident of Barcelonarevealing important developments on an increasingly closer pact between the UEFA and the Super Leaguenegotiations between both organisms that arrive after years of open conflict.
Since its announcement in 2021, the Super League It has been subject to rejection by UEFA and much of the European football ecosystem, although it is not clear if for fear of possible consequences. However, the statements of the Barca leader reflect a turn on the stage and the relationship between the governing body of European football and the European Super League.
“I have always tried to be a bridge between the Super League and the UEFA,” he says Joan Laportawho confirms that there is currently an open communication channel between both parties. In your words, Aleksander CaterPresident of the UEFAhas appointed several official representatives to directly dialogue with those responsible for the Super Leagueled by Bernd ReichartCEO of the project.
Laporta explained, in a recent interview with Sports Worldthat conversations are structured around three fundamental blocks, although without detailing its content. What was clear is that there is a real will by both institutions to achieve an understanding: «I see a lot of disposition by the UEFA president. It is good news for football that we are close to an agreement ».
One of the keys in which progress has been most made is the free broadcast platform proposal presented by the Super Leaguecalled Unify. This initiative seeks to transform the European competition issuance model, allowing fans around the world to access parties free of charge through a digital application. The platform also includes premium versions with advantages such as advertisements.
Laporta It emphasizes the importance of this block as the point closest to consensus: «A lot has worked on this platform, which would be free for all fans already worldwide; and Cater He considers it viable, which means that there are points in common that did not exist before; Now, with the goodwill of all parties, we are approaching and I hope we reach a positive result ». The Super League Wait for this model, based on advertising income, sponsorships and subscriptions, generate up to 5,000 million euros per season.
The president of Barça He has assumed an active role in the negotiations, acting as a link between both parties. Ensures that within the project of the Super League It is being pressed so that the agreement is finalized as soon as possible. Although the relationship of Real Madrid with the UEFA It has been in recent years more tense for its active role with this great competition, Florentino Pérez has also supported the model of Unifywhich considers an innovation comparable to the revolution that meant the creation of the European Cup in its day.
Although the Super League He had announced that he had the support of 60 of the 100 clubs consulted and planned its launch soon, Laporta It has not confirmed concrete dates. In fact, it suggests that the agreement with UEFA could substantially modify the initial plans of the Super League: «Obviously, there is now the issue on the governance table, which we will already see how UEFA is managed, but I think it should be managed in the ECA. And there now we are working on what I believe that from the first moment we wanted to. We have not wanted a confrontation, we wanted to improve European football as far as possible.
The new format of the Champions Leaguewhich has generated 20% more income than the previous one, has been well received by the surround environment. Laporta It emphasizes that UEFA is receptive to continue improving the model: «Everything is likely to be improved, it is in constant evolution. We believe that we can have an important voice to improve the format. UEFA is not closed to this issue ».
