Nasser Al-Khelaifi throws dig at Florentino Pérez, welcomes Juventus back to ECA

The European Club Association (ECA) convened in Copenhagen on Thursday, bringing together top football executives to discuss pertinent issues. Among the notable highlights was the Chairman of the ECA, Nasser Al-Khelaifi delivering robust remarks concerning the controversial Super League.

On the Super League

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who also serves as the president and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, didn’t mince words when addressing the divisive Super League project. Expressing his views, he referred to the Super League as a “stupid project.” This sentiment echoes the widespread criticism the Super League faced upon its initial proposal.

In a surprising turn of events, Al-Khelaifi revealed that the doors were open for Italian powerhouse Juventus to return to the ECA fold. Juventus, alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona, was one of the founding clubs of the Super League.

Juventus free to return to ECA

Nasser Al-Khelaifi conveyed, “If they stop what they are trying to fight for (the Super League), they will always be welcome (to the ECA). I spoke with the owner, and he called me. I think they want to come back. They are definitely welcome.”

Nasser Al-Khelaifi at the ECA meeting on Thursday

The nuanced situation gains significance considering the historical context. Former ECA Chairman Andrea Agnelli, who also held the position of CEO at Juventus, had to step down from both roles following the contentious decision to pursue the Super League in 2021.

Notably, the Italian club have already declared their intent to distance themselves from the Super League project. The collective movement by these clubs reflects a growing discontent within the football community regarding the proposed competition.

As the landscape of European football continues to evolve, the ECA meeting in Copenhagen served as a platform for key stakeholders to address the ongoing challenges. Al-Khelaifi’s candid remarks and the potential return of Juventus underscore the dynamic nature of football governance, where decisions made today can reshape the future of the sport.

It should be remembered that La Liga president Javier Tebas also spoke against the Super League on several occasions.