Football

Laporta on new UCL format: "I expected something different. The Super League is more alive than ever"

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed criticism of the new Champions League format, while underscoring the readiness of the Super League to launch.

It was previously reported that the inaugural edition of the Super League could begin in September 2025.

"I thought we would receive more money, but it turns out we'll just have more matches. It's a prestigious tournament, but I expected something different. The lack of return fixtures in the group stage is a bit confusing.

The Super League is more alive than ever. Everything is ready, but agreements need to be made with the footballing organizations. Barcelona should act as a bridge between these organizations and the Super League. It should exist for the benefit of the clubs involved.

The format will be highly attractive, but first, all sides need to reach an agreement," Laporta was quoted by Diario Sport.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has expanded the Champions League to 36 teams this season, merging them into a single table instead of dividing them into groups. In the league stage, each club will face eight different opponents. The top eight teams will directly advance to the Round of 16, while those finishing between 9th and 24th will play in playoff matches.

Barcelona is currently 16th in the league stage table of the Champions League, with three points.

UCL