New-look Super League discussed by clubs, La Liga president claims

Plans for a new-look European Super League were discussed in Turin a few weeks ago, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has claimed.

The Spaniard said Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli had hosted his Real Madrid and Barcelona counterparts Florentino Perez and Joan Laporta in the Italian city recently, with a view to relaunching the hugely controversial project – this time without English clubs.

Twelve teams – including six from England – announced themselves as founder members of the breakaway league on April 18 last year but within 72 hours the league had fallen apart amid fan outrage and Government opposition.

However, Tebas insists the clubs still wedded to the Super League idea are seeking to revive it.

“As far as I know (the meeting) was at Agnelli’s house in Turin a few Fridays ago – the president of Real Madrid (Florentino Perez), (the president of Barcelona) Joan Laporta and Agnelli,” Tebas said in a briefing at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.

“What they’re saying, especially the Real Madrid president, is that they failed a first attempt. They have seen it was difficult to get English clubs to take part.

“They are trying to design a model where English clubs are not present, there will be (representatives from) the other four (major European) leagues.

“There will be some sort of first division and a second division. As far as I know, national leagues will have access through the second division.

“Those in the first division, they have direct access because they will never get relegated. I don’t know if Agnelli will explain. And if he doesn’t explain he’s lying.”

Every time I hear communication from these (Super League) clubs I get cross, they lie more than (Vladimir) Putin to be honest

Agnelli is due to