Copenhagen’s annual gathering of Europe’s club game has brought another sign that the Super League rupture is easing: Real Madrid are moving towards a return to the European Football Clubs body, with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi publicly welcoming the development.
Al-Khelaifi, who also leads EFC, told the organisation’s 33rd annual assembly in the Danish capital that he was pleased Real Madrid were taking steps to rejoin the group. The body, formerly known as the European Club Association, represents more than 900 clubs across the continent.
A path back after the Super League dispute
- In April 2021, 12 leading clubs announced plans for a breakaway Super League. The founding group included Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur; Milan, Inter and Juventus; and Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
- UEFA opposed the project from its outset, and the proposal created one of the deepest divisions in modern European football.
- Barcelona formally withdrew from the venture in February, leaving Real Madrid as its only club backer.
- Later that month, UEFA, EFC and Real Madrid reached an agreement intended to settle their legal disagreements connected with the Super League.
- At Tuesday’s assembly in Copenhagen, Al-Khelaifi said Madrid were now on course to return to EFC.
Messages for Madrid and Barcelona
Addressing delegates, Al-Khelaifi said EFC was “delighted” that Real Madrid were progressing towards re-entry. He praised Florentino Pérez, the Madrid president, describing him as a close friend and recognising his contribution to football.
Al-Khelaifi said Pérez had shown belief that European football’s future should be shaped through unity and the wider collective interest.
He also addressed Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who attended the Copenhagen meeting. Al-Khelaifi thanked Laporta for placing his trust in EFC and welcomed Barcelona into the organisation’s family.
The legal case remains open
The political reconciliation between Madrid, UEFA and the clubs’ body does not end every argument surrounding the proposed competition. A22 Sports Management, the company promoting the Super League, has brought a damages claim against UEFA and is also seeking formal recognition for the tournament.
Those actions followed the most recent court development in October, when Madrid’s Provincial Court rejected an appeal brought in the case. While the Super League’s original alliance has long since fragmented, its legal afterlife continues alongside the renewed institutional contact between Real Madrid and European football’s club representatives.
