Laghrari, co-owner of A22 Management, the entity spearheading the European Super League, has asserted that they have secured approval from approximately 20 clubs across Europe, providing a sufficient foundation to launch a new breakaway competition. The ESL chief emphasized ongoing discussions with all stakeholders, including fan associations, expressing confidence in the imminent launch of the tournament.
In an interview with Ouest-France, Laghrari stated, “I don’t want to disclose their names to maintain confidentiality. Since December 21, we have engaged with around fifty different clubs. Approximately twenty of them exhibit high motivation for the project, constituting a significant number to kickstart a competition.
“We are actively engaged in dialogues with various clubs, fan associations, players, and football professionals. They are reaching out to gain a better understanding of this project because, given the possibility and legality of proposing an alternative, stakeholders are eager to collaborate. We can work collectively to enhance football.”
He elaborated, “A club that has already committed but released a statement opposing it conveyed to us: ‘It’s akin to confirming a coach for a position and dismissing him in the subsequent weeks.
“Once everyone comprehends that having an authentic European pyramid is much fairer than a system where a quarter of the Spanish League holds more value than the Belgian champion, people will gravitate towards this model.”
Despite the European Court of Justice’s recent ruling, wherein most top European clubs, excluding Real Madrid and Barcelona, issued statements rejecting the new breakaway competition, the situation remains fluid. The next steps hinge on whether these clubs will maintain their stance or reconsider their position and opt to join the European Super League.
