Florentino, seems like you're all alone: Laporta joins Al-Khelaifi's crew

The football chessboard in Europe just got hotter. Joan Laporta showed up at the ECA General Assembly, chaired by none other than Nasser Al-Khelaifi - the PSG chief and UEFA's closest ally.

And the atmosphere? Surprisingly warm. Days after Barca's Champions League clash with PSG, the two men greeted each other with smiles and handshakes in front of the cameras. Rafa Yuste, Barcelona's vice-president, joined Laporta at the event, personally welcomed by Al-Khelaifi at the summit's hotel.

Although Barcelona are not yet an official member of the European Club Association, its relationship with the organisation is growing ever closer. Laporta attended as a guest, but insiders say his presence is a clear signal: the Blaugrana are preparing to re-enter the ECA fold. That would leave Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez as the only major club still outside, standing firmly by the Super League cause.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin also addressed the assembly, repeating his stance loud and clear:

"Changes may come, but always from unity."

In other words, no Super League, no breakaway. The Champions League format stays.

Laporta's appearance is part of a broader strategy: mend bridges with UEFA and the ECA, secure influence, and still keep Barca's options open. Recent negotiations with UEFA have already brought an exceptional privilege - the club's La Liga match against Villarreal will be played in Miami.

Camp Nou will not host UCL games, Barca to appeal to UEFA

Meanwhile, Juventus, who briefly joined the ECA after pulling out of the Super League project, has now stepped away again. In this new European power game, one thing stands firm: Barca is back at the table, while Madrid remains the lone rebel.