Barcelona Chairman Laporta accepted an exclusive interview with the World Sports and talked about topics such as the European Super League.
How is the current progress of the European Super League?
Laporta: "The European Super League proposal has indeed caused differences and controversy. I have always been committed to building a communication bridge between the European Super League and UEFA. The two sides have established a dialogue mechanism: Cheferin has appointed UEFA representatives to negotiate with European Super League CEO Bainde Reichat and his team, which includes legal counsel to many European Super League founding clubs. At present, preliminary consensus has been reached based on the three core sectors, among which the technical platform field has the highest coordination. This is undoubtedly good news, and both sides have shown positive intentions. Barcelona's position is to promote the conclusion of an agreement and actively promote the negotiation process within the European Super League. Is it worth promoting ? I think it is constructive to reach an agreement as soon as possible based on the overall interests of the football industry. The judgment of the European Court of Justice has provided legal support for the European Super League. This is of course important, but more importantly, the unity of the football world. I have observed that the UEFA president currently shows a high intention to cooperate. We must emphasize again: Cheferin is a trustworthy person, and we are working on cooperation based on this.
So, is Barcelona, which was more inclined to the European Super League, now in a more middle position?
Laporta: "We always stick to the same position because when we joined the European Super League, we declared that we hope to create an open event. We advocate the competitive performance-oriented system, and the competition system that is most conducive to club profitability is in line with our philosophy. Obviously, the current issue on governance architecture has been put on the agenda, which remains to be seen how to resolve in coordination with UEFA, but I think it should be managed within the ECA framework. I believe that the direction of the current efforts of all parties is our demand from beginning to end. We have no intention of confrontation, but rather hope to optimize European football as much as possible. For example, the new UEFA Champions League system has increased the revenue of the event, increasing revenue by 20% compared with the previous one. Everything can be perfected and is constantly evolving. We believe that we can exert important influence to optimize the competition system. UEFA is not a closed attitude towards this issue. As for the platform, we are discussing extremely large and considerable income. If the expected earnings target can be achieved, it will be a measure to benefit the football industry. I saw UEFA showing an open attitude and we also opened the door to a deal. ”
So, is there a possibility that Barcelona will return to the ECA Executive Committee? The committee is currently led by Paris Chairman Nasser. As a club supported by Qatar capital, Paris seems to be slightly missing at times.
Laporta: "We are committed to providing assistance, seeking solutions and putting them into practice. This responsibility must be won by strength and cannot be forced. I can take on this important task because I have gained recognition from my peers. ”
The clubs supporting the European Super League are approaching the same position as UEFA, aiming to jointly build a unified event that meets the interests of all parties.
Laporta: "That's true. ”
And the key revenue-generating technology platform you mentioned is actually providing access channels for competitions and content to global users.
Laporta: "I believe this is the core advantage of the European Super League. The platform has been invested in a lot of development and will become a free platform for fans around the world. The UEFA president recognized its feasibility, which means that for the first time the two sides have seen a consensus point that had not been reached before. Now with the sincerity of all parties, we are approaching and looking forward to the final achievement of a successful outcome. ”
How does Real Madrid view Barcelona's mediation between UEFA and the European Super League?
Laporta: "We have discussed this at the European Super League headquarters, and obviously we have the same position. Perhaps we have not adopted such a direct confrontation method, which has made our communication with UEFA relatively smooth. But we are in concert on this matter. Our goal is to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties. ”
source:2vn 7m