"The ECA has been the main barrier to the Super League"

Rui Costa, President of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, attended the XII Summit of Presidents of the League of Clubs, which took place on Wednesday, March 27, at the Convento São Francisco, in Coimbra.

The importance of the event - which was attended by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and ECA (European Club Association) president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi - was praised by Rui Costa.

"I congratulate the League on the way it conducted this summit. It was very productive. We were privileged to have with us not only the president of the Portuguese Football Federation [Fernando Gomes], but also the president of UEFA and the president of the ECA. Not only was it international, it was also very motivating. Above all, it ends up being a recognition of what Portuguese football is all about", said the President of Benfica, speaking to Liga TV.

Rui Costa stressed the role of the ECA as an obstacle to the creation of the Super League, considering that the meeting of presidents made it possible to "discuss" issues that could "benefit Portuguese football".

"Having three distinguished presidents present, as we did, was a privilege and, undoubtedly, as I am also a member of the ECA Board, I cannot fail to highlight the role of President Nasser, who was here today explaining to Portuguese clubs the importance of more and more clubs joining the ECA. It's been the main barrier in the Super League, and so countries like ours have to take precautions. He gave a full explanation of the importance, for the future, of Portuguese clubs also being present in this fight for the rights and defense of clubs. In the last six months, the ECA has more than doubled the number of clubs in its organization and this is the result of the work that has been done, together with UEFA, to defend clubs internationally. He stressed the importance of more and more Portuguese clubs being associated with the ECA. Many topics were discussed at this summit, it was very productive, motivating for all of us, and we left here with something more important for the future of Portuguese football. Or at least with initiatives, measures or issues raised that could benefit Portuguese football. I think we all left here satisfied," he concluded.