Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: European Super League, Football, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Florentino Perez, Champions League, UEFA
Alex Brotherton
Topics: European Super League, Football, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Florentino Perez, Champions League, UEFA
A European giant has finally completed its U-turn on the European Super League three years after the project's failed launch.
In 2021 football fans were left stunned when 12 major clubs announced their intention to join a new European Super League, chaired by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
The breakaway competition was intended as an alternative to the UEFA Champions League, with participating clubs promised higher revenues and supporters more high-quality matches.
However, fierce backlash from fans and governing bodies resulted in nine of the clubs withdrawing from the project, including Premier League representatives Manchester City, Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
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That left just three clubs - Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus - left in support of a new breakaway competition.
The presidents of Madrid and Barcelona continue to be vocal backers of a European Super League, but now Juventus have finally completed their U-turn on the project.
Speaking at a European Club Association executive committee meeting in London on the eve of the Champions League final, chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi announced that Juventus have rejoined the independent body.
Juventus left the ECA as part of its decision to back the European Super League.
Paris Saint-Germain president Al-Khelaifi announced "the return of Juventus to the football family", and also said: "We welcomed Juve with flowers. It is a great club, with a great history. We are proud to have them back."
The opening ceremony of the ECA meeting was attended by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
Juventus began the process of leaving the European Super League last summer after holding discussions with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
At the time the Serie A giants released a statement that read: "Following such discussions, and given the existing discrepancies on the interpretation of the relevant contractual terms applicable to the Super League Project, Juventus confirms that it has initiated the procedure to exit."
Speaking to Marca, Al-Khelaifi assured Barcelona and Real Madrid that they are welcome to rejoin the ECA.
"We are waiting for you with open arms, we want you to be here with us," he said.
"The Super League... Two teams cannot play 20 games against each other. I have a lot of respect for both clubs, for their fans, who are very great, but it makes no sense to be on the sidelines."
Real Madrid will look to win a record-extending 15th European Cup when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.