Dutch giants Feyenoord have strenuously denied that they are set to join the European Super League (ESL).
The ESL was first launched in 2021, but was quickly scrapped following fan backlash. However, a European court ruled against the punishment handed down by FIFA and UEFA to the rebel clubs in December, and plans have been drawn up for the breakaway competition to finally go ahead.
A22 management have backed the ESL, and their co-founder Anas Laghari recently claimed that 20 teams had agreed to take part, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta has named 15 clubs – including Feyenoord – that are ready to join.
A club statement posted on X on Friday evening read: ‘Feyenoord is very surprised by reports in international media that the club has agreed to participate in the so-called Super League. This is total nonsense.’
Barcelona president Joan Laporta named Feyenoord as one of 15 clubs ready to join the European Super League
Feyenoord have claimed it is ‘total nonsense’ that they have agreed to join the ESL
Feyenoord also raised doubts about the ESL back in December in the immediate aftermath of the European court ruling, and claimed they had not spoken to anyone about the possibility of signing up to a revamped version of it.
‘Feyenoord insists it has made no commitments, nor has it ever spoken to the people behind the possible Super League, as some foreign publications suggest,’ the club wrote on their official website.
‘With what the club knows so far, it has doubts whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and for the national leagues. Through the ECA, the club will continue to think about the future, improvements within European football and strengthening the position of Dutch football.
‘Feyenoord will continue to follow all developments closely.’
Feyenoord’s latest stance is a blow for Laporta after he had spoken positively about the ESL finally getting the green light, and even suggested it could begin as early as next season.
A22 management co-founder Anas Laghari (pictured) also recently claimed 20 teams have agreed to join the ESL, but Feyenoord have denied they are one of them
Speaking on Catalan radio station RAC 1, Laporta said: ‘Whether or not the English come, I don’t care. They already have a Superliga with the Premier League.
‘In addition to Barca and Madrid, there would be the Italians: Inter, Milan, Napoli and Roma. Also French teams such as Olympique de Marseille, and the three Portuguese, Sporting, Benfica and Porto, who would be delighted to come.
‘And there are the Dutch teams (Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV) and Bruges and Anderlecht from Belgium. A 16-team competition would be better.
‘Any team in LaLiga, except Atletico Madrid.’
