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Barcelona are preparing to return to the European Club Association (ECA), journalist Ben Jacobs reports, years after helping launch the failed European Super League with Real Madrid and Juventus.
President Joan Laporta’s attendance at the recent ECA General Assembly in Rome, chaired by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, signals a clear shift in the club’s stance. Jacobs says paperwork for Barcelona’s return is already underway.
“Today, I welcome a special guest. Sometimes friends may disagree, that’s normal, but they always come back together for the common good,” said Al-Khelaifi. “Please join me in welcoming back to the family, the President of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta.”
Laporta, once a strong advocate of the Super League, appears to be taking a more pragmatic approach, focusing on improving relations with UEFA and other European clubs.
Speaking to El Chiringuito (h/t SPORT), Laporta said: “Nasser, the president of the EFC, has invited us. We have graciously accepted, as we have a very good relationship. With FC Barcelona, we are in favour of pacifying European football. We want there to be an agreement and for us to return to UEFA.”
He added: “Barça are on board with this, and it was our role to build bridges with both Nasser and Ceferin.”
The club has also reported improved finances, with two consecutive years of positive ordinary results. “We are very satisfied with the financial results… Plus, we have a competitive team that has brought joy back to Barcelona fans,” Laporta said.
