Atlético Madrid CEO Criticizes Super League’s Latest Developments
In the ever-evolving world of European football, the Super League saga continues to stir emotions and spark debates. The latest chapter in this ongoing drama has seen Atlético Madrid’s chief executive, Miguel Ángel Gil Marin, voicing his concerns over the recent developments in the Super League project. His comments have added fuel to the fire, as he blames the project for “creating uncertainty” and claims that the proposals are “just about vindication for one club.”
For those who might not be up to speed, the Super League promoters, A22, relaunched the Super League earlier in December under the new moniker “Unify League.” They have approached football’s governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, seeking formal recognition of their right to organize this new competition. This move has not gone unnoticed, especially by clubs like Atlético Madrid, who were initially part of the original Super League’s 12 founding members but quickly became the first Spanish club to withdraw from the project. This left Real Madrid and Barcelona as the only LaLiga representatives still backing the scheme.
In a candid interview with Atlético’s in-house media, Gil Marin did not hold back. “At one time [the Super League] was a project based on a closed league, which would protect a few, and put the European football pyramid in danger,” he said. “Now it’s just about vindication for one club, in its stubborn fight against the system. I honestly believe the best way to change things that you don’t agree with is doing so from within. From the outside, however big the club is, the only thing you achieve is creating uncertainty for television channels and sponsors, and with that, slow down the growth of the competitions in their current formats.”
Gil Marin’s comments highlight a significant divide in European football. On one side, you have clubs like Atlético Madrid, who believe in working within the existing system to bring about change. On the other, there are clubs like Real Madrid, whose president, Florentino Pérez, has been vocal in his criticism of UEFA’s reforms. Pérez attacked UEFA’s reforms in his speech to the club’s AGM of members in November, reiterating his support for the Super League.
But Gil Marin’s concerns don’t stop at the Super League. He also raised an important issue regarding player welfare. “This is a season that’s especially crowded for some clubs,” he noted. “In my opinion, the solution should be limiting the number of games that each player can play during a season, for their club and their national team. It’s our obligation to protect the players.”
As we look ahead to 2025, Atlético Madrid finds itself in a strong position, sitting at the top of the LaLiga table. This success comes on the heels of a dramatic 2-1 win against title rivals Barcelona on Dec. 21. The club’s success can be attributed to their significant investment in new signings over the summer, including Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Conor Gallagher, and Robin Le Normand.
- Atlético Madrid’s strategic investments have paid off, with the team leading LaLiga.
- Gil Marin emphasizes the importance of player welfare amidst a crowded season.
- The Super League’s relaunch continues to divide opinions in European football.
Reflecting on these changes, Gil Marin stated, “We knew we had to make changes in the squad, and sign various important players in key positions. And that meant a significant investment, because it involved top, international players… I’m convinced we took the right approach, and after a period of adaptation, we’re seeing the contribution of those signings in the performance of the team.”
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland,Rodrigo Faez
