Sports

Super League Dead and Duried? Juventus Back out of Plot

Is the European Super League dead and buried? Juventus back out of plot to form breakaway competition as only Real Madrid and Barcelona remain.

The European Super League (ESL) received a fresh blow as Juventus have reportedly backed out, leaving only Real Madrid and Barcelona in the project.

ESL suffer a major setback
Juve pulled out of the bloc
Only Real & Barca remain

ESL suffer a major setback: What went down?
Juventus, a key player in the ESL, has opted to return to the European Club Association (ECA), a group that stands against the Super League and includes more than 600 teams. The ECA, led by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has been leading the charge in defending the current European football structure and preventing the ESL from taking shape.

Luis Campos Nasser Al-Khelaifi PSG — Super League Dead and Duried

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Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, welcomed Juventus back to the ECA and invited Barcelona and Real Madrid to rejoin.

Al-Khelaifi expressed his delight at Juventus rejoining the ECA, emphasizing their rich history and welcoming them back into the family. He also extended an invitation to Barcelona and Madrid to follow suit.

Seeing the broader perspective.

In a recent meeting of the ECA Executive Committee in London, ahead of the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, Al-Khelaifi reiterated his call for unity among Europe’s football clubs.

“They can play two teams, home and away for 20 matches?”, he said. “It is not for anyone’s interest. They are going against their [own] interests today.”

Al-Khelaifi also pointed out the contradiction in Real Madrid’s stance, noting the club’s expressed affection for the Champions League while simultaneously seeking to undermine it. “I heard yesterday [Madrid] talked about the love story between Madrid and the Champions League. On the other hand, they want to destroy the Champions League,” he said.

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Juve pulled out of the bloc: Are you aware?

With Juve’s departure, Real Madrid and Barcelona find themselves increasingly isolated in their quest to establish the ESL. This latest setback for the ESL follows a tumultuous journey that saw initial plans for the league face widespread condemnation and eventual collapse in 2021. The initial proposal, which included 12 of Europe’s top clubs, faced a fierce backlash from fans, football associations, and political leaders, forcing many clubs to withdraw their support. Despite these challenges, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains steadfast in his determination to pursue the ESL. Perez argues that the ESL represents a “great opportunity to improve European club football,” although his vision has not garnered the necessary support from other leading clubs.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has mocked Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez over the European Super League — Super League Dead and Duried

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Juventus’ return to the ECA has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the ESL’s future. With Madrid and Barcelona standing alone, the breakaway plans may need to be reconsidered, but it seems unlikely they will be abandoned anytime soon.

Al-Khelaifi has reached out, showing a willingness to discuss reintegration into the ECA and working together for the benefit of European football.

“It’s crucial for both parties,” Al-Khelaifi emphasized.

Perez’s dream of a 20-team elite tournament still seems far from becoming a reality.

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