PSG president all but confirms Barcelona will rejoin European Club Association – ‘Friends always come back together’ | OneFootball

Barcelona appear ready to take a major step back into Europe’s footballing mainstream, as journalist Ben Jacobs reports that the club is preparing to rejoin the European Club Association (ECA).

This move comes years after the Catalan giants helped launch the ill-fated European Super League alongside Real Madrid and Juventus.

Despite Joan Laporta’s continued public support for the Super League, his presence at the recent ECA General Assembly has signalled a clear shift in the club’s stance.

According to Jacobs, the paperwork for Barcelona’s return to the association is already being processed, marking an important reconciliation between the club and Europe’s governing football body.

It must be remembered that Laporta, accompanied by his vice president, attended the ECA General Assembly chaired by Nasser Al-Khelaifi in Rome.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi hints at Barcelona’s return

During his opening address at the assembly, Al-Khelaifi appeared to confirm Barcelona’s comeback, offering a symbolic welcome to Laporta.

Barcelona are set to rejoin the ECA. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Today, I welcome a special guest. Sometimes friends may disagree, that’s normal, but they always come back together for the common good.

“This man has revived his club on the pitch with an amazing young team, and off it with a stunning new stadium.

“Please join me in welcoming back to the family, the President of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta,” he stated.

Laporta, one of the original advocates of the Super League, had long defended the idea of an independent competition to rival UEFA’s structure.

Yet, Barcelona’s re-entry into the ECA reflects a pragmatic shift in policy – one focused on strengthening relationships with other European clubs and UEFA amid evolving financial and political realities.

It is said that Al-Khelaifi has been one of the strongest critics of the Super League and continues to insist that the project is “dead”.

Laporta’s presence at the meeting and the progress of rejoining paperwork suggest that Barcelona are realigning with Europe’s official club body for greater stability and influence.