
Joan Laporta (foto: Getty Images)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta praises Real Madrid for staying neutral in the Olmo case and hints at collaboration with Pérez over the Super League project.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta delivered a surprising message during a press conference where he discussed the fallout from the controversial Olmo case. The case, which has shaken Spanish football, revolves around the decision by the Superior Sports Council (CSD) to allow Olmo to play for Barcelona while legal proceedings continue.
Laporta refrained from naming specific clubs but offered thanks to those who didn’t publicly oppose Barcelona in the dispute. Among those silent clubs was Real Madrid, and Laporta’s gratitude towards Barça’s fiercest rivals has raised eyebrows in the football world.
A rare moment of praise for Real Madrid
"I won’t reveal private conversations, but I’m very grateful to the clubs that didn’t take a stance against us. Maybe we’re rivals on the pitch, but off it, we share common goals," Laporta stated. Although he didn’t explicitly name Real Madrid, it was clear they were included in his remarks. Spanish media speculate that Laporta and Florentino Pérez may have struck a non-aggression pact during their time in Saudi Arabia, where the Spanish Super Cup was held.
Reports suggest Laporta promised Pérez full support for the European Super League project in exchange for Real’s backing during the Olmo controversy.
Laporta also commented on the recent Spanish Super Cup, where Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 5-2 in the final to lift the trophy. He acknowledged the event’s success but hinted at potential improvements: "We discussed the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. While the organization was excellent, we should negotiate better financial terms to benefit all parties."