For several years, the idea of a possible Super League has existed, with FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus among the founders. But there was strong opposition, and the idea gradually faded. Thus, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and the ECA (European Club Association), announced in his opening speech at the General Assembly that Barça, through its president Joan Laporta, would be returning to the Association.
Al-Khelaïfi: “Sometimes friends disagree, that’s normal”
“Today, I welcome a special guest. Sometimes friends disagree, that’s normal, but they always come together for the common good. He has revived his club, both on the pitch with an exceptional young team and off it with an exceptional new stadium. FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta joins me in welcoming him to the family.”
We are all here because football is more than a job: it’s our shared passion, our love. And even if there are differences between us—big clubs, small clubs, different cultures, different players—these differences should never be synonymous with conflict. There are so many conflicts in the world today; we’re all tired of them. It’s our duty to build bridges, to bring people together. The power of football is greater than anything else, and its unifying power has never been more necessary than today.”
These are strong words, which mark an important reconciliation for UEFA and the ECA, with Barça obviously being a major club. Renewing collaboration can only be good. Especially since it further dismisses the idea of a Super League that might succeed in resurfacing. Even if things can always move quickly in football.
We still prefer this idea of unity and support put forward by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. He continues to play an important role in European football and seems to take it with great passion. Let’s hope his time there will be seen as a success.
