According to RAC1 Barcelona have decided to distance themselves from the European Super League, believing that the Champions League‘s new format addresses many of the concerns that originally pushed them towards the breakaway idea. The Blaugrana are said to be satisfied with increased revenues and structural changes promised by UEFA, and no longer see the need for a rival competition.
The Super League, first unveiled in 2021 by clubs including Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, collapsed under intense fan backlash and regulatory threats. While English sides swiftly pulled out, Madrid and Barca were among the last to cling to the concept. With Joan Laporta’s club now publicly satisfied with UEFA, Florentino Perez is left as the lone figure still pushing for the controversial tournament.
Relations between UEFA and Barcelona have warmed in recent months, with Laporta’s administration believing they are being listened to more seriously. Aleksander Ceferin’s appearance in the Montjuic stadium during Barca’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain symbolised that improved relationship. Even though a legal ruling could favour the Super League’s promoters soon, Barcelona are set to let the project fade quietly, using the decision only as leverage to keep UEFA on their toes.
Barcelona will now shift focus fully back to the pitch, preparing for a difficult away clash against Sevilla following their 2-1 Champions League defeat to PSG. Real Madrid, meanwhile, head into a La Liga clash against Villarreal after thrashing Kairat Almaty 5-0 in Europe. With Barca stepping away, the Super League looks increasingly like a fading dream but Perez’s persistence means the debate over UEFA’s dominance may not disappear anytime soon.
