European Super League: Barcelona will not apologise, says club president Joan Laporta

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the club will not apologise for their role in creating the failed European Super League and will appeal against any punishment from UEFA.

“I’ve told (UEFA president Aleksander) Ceferin that we aren’t going to say sorry. And we don’t plan on paying any sanctions,” Laporta told a news conference on Friday.

“If we are sanctioned we’ll go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).”

Laporta, who was elected Barcelona president for a second time in March after predecessor Josep Maria Bartomeu signed the club up to the Super League, said Barca agreed to stay a part of it “to protect our interests and make football sustainable”.

“Because many clubs left after being pressured by governments and UEFA, the Super League doesn’t exist any more. But the company, which has rights given to it by a court, remains. We have the right to organise competitions if we wish.”

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are the last ones standing of the 12 clubs that signed up to the breakaway project in April, only for it to unravel when all six English sides plus Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid withdrew.

Speaking in his first news conference since winning the presidential election, Laporta also said he was optimistic that the club would be able to agree a new contract with Lionel Messi, whose deal runs out at the end of June.

“Things are going well with Messi but it’s not done yet. Messi really loves Barca and we’re doing everything possible,” he added.He said he had not yet decided whether coach Ronald Koeman, who was hired by Bartomeu, would remain in charge next season.