Super League could start next season: Barca chief Laporta / Photo: Pau BARRENA - AFP/File
-
Smith laments lack of runs after first Ashes home Test loss for 15 years
-
Russian barrage on Kyiv kills one, leaves hundreds of thousands without power
-
Stokes, Smith agree two-day Tests not a good look after MCG carnage
-
Stokes hails under-fire England's courage in 'really special' Test win
-
What they said as England win 4th Ashes Test - reaction
-
Hong Kongers bid farewell to 'king of umbrellas'
-
England snap 15-year losing streak to win chaotic 4th Ashes Test
-
Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'immediate' ceasefire
-
Closing 10-0 run lifts Bulls over 76ers while Pistons fall
-
England 77-2 at tea, need 98 more to win chaotic 4th Ashes Test
-
Somalia, African nations denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland
-
England need 175 to win chaotic 4th Ashes Test
-
Cricket Australia boss says short Tests 'bad for business' after MCG carnage
-
Russia lashes out at Zelensky ahead of new Trump talks on Ukraine plan
-
Six Australia wickets fall as England fight back in 4th Ashes Test
-
Man Utd made to 'suffer' for Newcastle win, says Amorim
-
Morocco made to wait for Cup of Nations knockout place after Egypt advance
-
Key NFL week has playoff spots, byes and seeds at stake
-
Morocco forced to wait for AFCON knockout place after Mali draw
-
Dorgu delivers winner for depleted Man Utd against Newcastle
-
US stocks edge lower from records as precious metals surge
-
Somalia denounces Israeli recognition of Somaliland
-
The Cure guitarist and keyboard player Perry Bamonte dies aged 65
-
Draper to miss Australian Open
-
Police arrest suspect after man stabs 3 women in Paris metro
-
Former Montpellier coach Gasset dies at 72
-
Trump's Christmas gospel: bombs, blessings and blame
-
Russia lashes out at Zelensky ahead of new Trump meeting on Ukraine plan
-
Salah helps Egypt beat South Africa and book last-16 place
-
Australia's Ikitau facing lengthy lay-off after shoulder injury
-
Another 1,100 refugees cross into Mauritania from Mali: UN
-
Guardiola proud of Man City players' response to weighty issues
-
Deadly blast hits mosque in Alawite area of Syria's Homs
-
The Jukebox Man on song as Redknapp records 'dream' King George win
-
Liverpool boss Slot says Ekitike reaping rewards for greater physicality
-
Judge jails ex-Malaysian PM Najib for 15 more years after new graft conviction
-
Musona rescues Zimbabwe in AFCON draw with Angola
-
Zelensky to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday
-
'Personality' the key for Celtic boss Nancy when it comes to new signings
-
Arteta eager to avoid repeat of Rice red card against Brighton
-
Nigeria signals more strikes likely in 'joint' US operations
-
Malaysia's former PM Najib convicted in 1MDB graft trial
-
Elusive wild cat feared extinct rediscovered in Thailand
-
Japan govt approves record budget, including for defence
-
Seoul to ease access to North Korean newspaper
-
History-maker Tongue wants more of the same from England attack
-
Australia lead England by 46 after 20 wickets fall on crazy day at MCG
-
Asia markets edge up as precious metals surge
-
Twenty wickets fall on day one as Australia gain edge in 4th Ashes Test
-
'No winner': Kosovo snap poll unlikely to end damaging deadlock
NYSE - LSE
Super League could start next season: Barca chief Laporta
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 clubs) then integrating."
The Barcelona president suggested options for the clubs who might join the league along with Madrid and Barca, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma and Napoli from Italy.
Laporta named Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica as potential participants from Portugal, Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven from the Netherlands, as well as French team Marseille and Belgian outfits Club Brugge and Anderlecht.
German giants Bayern Munich and French champions Paris Saint-Germain have criticised the Super League project and Laporta said they would not be involved.
A European Super League has been touted as a creation for overspending clubs to improve their financial situation.
"The Super League means that you're putting 100 million euros ($109 million) on the table for a club just for competing in the competition, at least, and you don't even get that for winning the Champions League," said Laporta.
P.Silva--AMWN