In a significant development that further undermines the controversial European Super League, Italian Serie A side Juventus has decided to rejoin the European Club Association (ECA), alongside 600 other teams. This decision comes after Juventus had been part of a group pushing for the creation of a breakaway competition to replace the Champions League, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the chair of the ECA, expressed his delight at Juventus' return, stating, "They are back. It is great. The club has an amazing history. We are proud they are back to their family. I also call the others to be back."

With this move, Madrid and Barcelona remain as the only two clubs attempting to form the proposed Super League, which has already faced significant opposition, including fan protests earlier this year that led to its initial launch being abandoned. It is worth noting that the Super League plans have been met with strong resistance from many of Europe's leading clubs.

Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, has remained determined to push forward with the creation of a breakaway league, despite the lack of support from other top clubs. The Court of Justice of the European Union's ruling in December, citing a violation of EU competition law by football governing bodies UEFA and FIFA for blocking the Super League, seemed to give Perez some leverage. However, the majority of leading clubs dismissed the idea, leading to the formation of the ECA opposition group.

Initially, a group of 12 prestigious clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan had announced plans for the Super League. The proposed tournament involved 20 teams, with 15 of them enjoying protection from relegation.

Over time, Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus emerged as the sole clubs continuing their fight for the Super League. However, Juventus' withdrawal last year left Madrid and Barcelona as the only remaining proponents.

Speaking after a meeting of the ECA Executive Committee in London, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is also the president of Paris Saint-Germain, called for Madrid and Barcelona to follow Juventus' lead, arguing that a league with just two teams would not make sense. He stated, "They can play two teams, home and away for 20 matches? It is not for anyone's interest. They are going against their [own] interests today."

Al-Khelaifi also expressed his openness to discussions with Madrid and Barcelona about rejoining the ECA, highlighting the importance of unity for both parties. The ECA's decision to welcome Juventus back into the fold is seen as a significant blow to the Super League plans and reinforces the resistance from the wider football community.

This latest development comes ahead of the Champions League final between Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, where Madrid is aiming to win their 15th European Cup. Al-Khelaifi questioned Madrid's contradictory stance, referring to their claims of love for the Champions League while also attempting to dismantle it, stating, "You love or you hate. You want to destroy the thing you hate?"

As the opposition against the Super League grows stronger, it remains to be seen how Madrid, Barcelona, and the rest of the footballing world will respond to Juventus' reversal and the increasing pressure to abandon the controversial breakaway competition.