Atlético Madrid CEO Criticizes Super League’s Latest Developments
In a recent turn of events that has stirred the football world, Atlético Madrid’s chief executive, Miguel Ángel Gil Marin, has openly criticized the latest developments in the Super League project. His comments have sparked a conversation about the future of European football and the motivations behind the controversial league.
For those who might not be in the loop, the Super League promoters, A22, have relaunched the Super League under a new name, the “Unify League.” This relaunch happened earlier in December, and they have approached football’s governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, to formally recognize their right to organize this new competition. This move has not been without its critics, and Gil Marin is one of the most vocal among them.
Atlético Madrid was initially one of the 12 founding member clubs of the original Super League. However, they quickly became the first Spanish club to withdraw from the project. This left Real Madrid and Barcelona as the only LaLiga representatives, with Real Madrid being the principal backers of the scheme.
In an interview with Atlético’s in-house media on Friday, Gil Marin expressed his concerns, stating, “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 further added, “Now it’s just about vindication for one club, in its stubborn fight against the system.”
Gil Marin believes that the best way to enact change is from within the system. He argues that working from the outside, regardless of the club’s size, only creates uncertainty for television channels and sponsors, which in turn slows down the growth of competitions in their current formats.
He also highlighted the efforts of UEFA and the European Club Association, which represent the system, in adapting their competitions. Their aim has been to allow clubs from more countries to participate, thanks to the three European competitions: the Champions League, the Europa League, and the Conference League. At the same time, they’ve ensured that the big clubs make more money.
In stark contrast, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has attacked UEFA’s reforms. In his speech to the club’s AGM of members in November, he reiterated his support for the Super League, showing a clear divide in opinions among the top clubs.
On another note, Gil Marin also addressed the issue of player health, calling for limits on the number of games top players can be involved in. “This is a season that’s especially crowded for some clubs,” he said. “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.”
Atlético Madrid is currently riding high, going into 2025 at the top of the LaLiga table. This success comes after a dramatic 2-1 win at title rivals Barcelona on Dec. 21. The club has invested heavily in new signings, including Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Conor Gallagher, and Robin Le Normand last summer.
- Atlético Madrid’s strategic investments have paid off, with the team leading LaLiga.
- Gil Marin emphasizes the importance of player health and limiting game participation.
- The Super League’s relaunch continues to divide opinions among top European clubs.
Gil Marin concluded by saying, “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
