Laporta reveals discussions with Florentino Perez over ECA return – ‘Have explained Barcelona’s position’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that he has spoken with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to explain the club’s current position regarding the European Super League.

This comes at a time when Barcelona appear to be moving closer to a full return to Europe’s footballing mainstream, as preparations are underway for their re-entry into the European Club Association (ECA).

Despite Laporta’s long-standing public support for the Super League project in the past, his attendance at the recent ECA General Assembly has been widely viewed as a sign of changing tides within the Barcelona hierarchy.

The fact that the club is actively processing the paperwork to rejoin the ECA marks a significant reconciliation with European football’s official governing framework.

It also signals a willingness to rebuild bridges that were strained since the Super League’s controversial launch in 2021.

What did Laporta say?

During his latest media interaction, Laporta was questioned about Barcelona’s position and his recent conversation with Perez on the subject.

Laporta revealed he spoke to Perez about joining ECA. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

The president clarified the situation, saying, “I already spoke with them at the time, explaining Barça’s position,” he noted, as reported by El Chiringuito TV.

Laporta also offered further insight into the club’s evolving stance in a previous interview, expressing a strong desire for unity between European football’s top institutions.

“We want there to be an agreement and return to UEFA. There is a very good relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaifi,” said Laporta, referring to the Paris Saint-Germain president and current ECA chairman.

While Barcelona initially championed the Super League alongside Real Madrid and Juventus, the club now seems focused on regaining its seat at the table within UEFA’s structure.

Rejoining the ECA would not only ease relations with UEFA but also strengthen Barcelona’s influence in key discussions about competition formats and commercial strategies moving forward.