Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes that soccer is losing ground as the world’s most popular sport — and that a resurrected European Super League could boost its status.
“To fix a problem, you have to first recognize that you have a problem,” Perez said. “Our sport is sick. It’s losing its leadership as a global sport.”
Real Madrid — the most valuable soccer team in the world at $5.1 billion, per Forbes — is one of 12 top-flight soccer clubs that announced plans in April 2021 to create the Super League.
- It was met with public outcry, leading most clubs to distance themselves from the venture.
- Real Madrid joins Barcelona and Juventus as clubs still in favor of the breakaway league.
- Perez believes it’ll offer fans “top-level games year-round between the strongest teams.”
Perez and his allies face an uphill battle.
The Super League — established under Spanish law — is seeking approval by the European Court of Justice to continue with its plan, which is hampered by a Spanish ruling.
In April, a Spanish court ruled that UEFA and FIFA could sanction Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid if they followed through with their plans to join.
Still Strong
Real Madrid reported a profit of $13.2 million for the 2021-22 season, marking the third straight year the club has avoided losses amid the pandemic.
The club posted the results for a season in which it won a record-extending 14th UEFA Champions League trophy and 35th La Liga Championship.
