Juventus’s Andrea Agnelli has been replaced as chairman of the European Club Association (ECA) by Paris St-Germain (PSG) president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
“I am honored and humbled to have been appointed by my fellow ECA Executive Board Members as chairman,” Qatari Al-Khelaifi said in a statement.
“The leadership, integrity, and togetherness of our organization have never been more required than at this pivotal moment in European football.
“I, alongside all my fellow ECA board members and clubs, am looking to reinforce ECA in its role as the legitimate and singular voice of Europe’s clubs.”
Andrea Agnelli’s resignation came after the breakaway Super League came to an end on Wednesday when eight big clubs of England, Spain, and Italy abandoned the proposal, in support of the fans.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on Monday described Agnelli as a “snake and a liar”.
“To be frank and honest no, evidently that is not the case,” said Agnelli, on whether the ESL could yet follow or not.
“I remain convinced of the beauty of that project, of the value that it would have developed to the pyramid, of the creation of the best competition in the world, but evidently no. I don’t think that project is now still up and running.”
“Despite the announced departure of the English clubs, forced to take such decisions due to the pressure put on them, we are convinced our proposal is fully aligned with European law and regulations,” the ESL said earlier on Wednesday, adding it was “convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change”.
“Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is insisting on the idea of keeping the group together to push for change,” says Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
“Barcelona states they agreed to the ESL, but only if the season ticket holders’ assembly approve it, which could be their way out.”
