Barcelona confirm Superleague exit, Real Madrid left as sole backer | OneFootball

Barcelona have formally withdrawn from the European Super League, leaving Real Madrid as the only club still backing the project.

The club said in a statement that it had formally notified the European Super League Company and the clubs involved of its withdrawal. That leaves Madrid and organiser A22 as the remaining parties.

The breakaway competition was unveiled in 2021 with 12 teams. Intense fan protests in England prompted the six Premier League clubs to quit. The Italian sides then followed, Atletico Madrid left soon after, and Juventus departed the year after.

Barcelona’s move comes amid a widening gap with Madrid and, for the Catalans, a closer alignment with UEFA. At the same time, Madrid have been more vocal in seeking punishment for Barcelona in the Negreira case, with the club facing charges of sporting corruption.

In October, president Joan Laporta signalled the club would not continue with the Superleague, backing a settlement in European football and a return to UEFA in line with what he said clubs wanted.

In December, Laporta suggested Florentino Perez was targeting Barcelona over the Negreira case because of their stance on the Superleague.

Madrid continue to advocate a free-to-view Superleague, centred on a reduced top league of 18 clubs with promotion and relegation across three divisions.

Source: Football Espana