Super League could start next season: Barca chief Laporta

Barcelona’s President Joan Laporta addresses a press conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 17, 2023. – Barcelona have never “done anything” to “obtain some type of sporting advantage,” the club’s president Joan Laporta said amid investigations into payments made to a former refereeing chief. Laporta told that the allegations of wrongdoing were part of a “smear campaign” against the Catalan side who are currently top of La Liga. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Friday that a European Super League project could begin as soon as next season, adding that he does not care if English clubs join or not.

The Spanish giants, along with Real Madrid, launched a Super League project in 2021 which quickly collapsed after fan and institutional fury, with the other clubs pulling out.

In December the European Union’s Court of Justice said world and European football governing bodies FIFA and UEFA had infringed competition law by blocking the breakaway league.

Super League promoters A22 Sports Management swiftly announced plans for a new 64-team tournament to compete with or replace UEFA’s Champions League.

“The Super League could start next season, or it will be in 2025-26, and if not, I will rethink everything,” Laporta told RAC1 radio station.

Six Premier League clubs were part of the initial proposal but pulled out and have shown no intention of returning.

“I don’t care if the English teams join,” added Laporta.

“They already have their Super League — the Premier League.”

Laporta said the project could begin with just 16 teams.

“The European Cup started in 1955 with very few clubs and later became the top competition in Europe,” said Laporta.

“I imagine a first phase like this, and (more