Barcelona president Joan Laporta told to give up on 'stupid' Super League idea by PSG counterpart Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Posted Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Goal.com

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed he has told Barcelona chief Joan Laporta to give up on plans for a Super League.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona and Real Madrid remain the only two clubs keen on implementing a European Super League after its ill-fated launch in 2021. The proposed project quickly collapsed when a host of clubs promptly withdrew amid a fierce backlash from fans. Laporta continues to back the idea but has been told by Al-Khelaifi that's it's a "stupid" plan when the two men met recently when Barca faced PSG in the Champions League.

WHAT AL-KHELAIFI SAID
He told El Mundo: "I asked him, 'When are you going to give up the stupid idea of the Super League?' I'm sure he will give it up. It makes no sense.

"I have always said that the Super League is not going to exist. The Champions League is the best competition in the world for everyone, and those clubs (Barcelona and Real Madrid) are playing in the Champions League because they know how important it is."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barca and Madrid were boosted in their hopes of creating a Super League in December when the European Court of Justice ruled that blocking breakaway leagues is against EU law. Laporta has claimed that such a competition could be up and running by next season and said he believed there were 15 clubs who would be willing to join. A host of the teams he mentioned, including Ajax, Feyenoord and Roma, were quick to hit back and refute the Barca president's claims.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA & PSG
PSG's win over Barcelona saw the Ligue 1 side book a Champions League semi-final spot against Borussia Dortmund. Both teams look set to be part of an expanded Champions League competition for next season, with PSG closing in on another French title and Barca currently second in La Liga.