Feyenoord hit out at 'total NONSENSE' reports that they will play in ESL

Dutch giants Feyenoord have strenuously denied that they are set to join the European Super League (ESL).

The ESL was first launched in 2021, but was quickly scrapped following fan backlash. However, a European court ruled against the punishment handed down by FIFA and UEFA to the rebel clubs in December, and plans have been drawn up for the breakaway competition to finally go ahead.

A22 management have backed the ESL, and their co-founder Anas Laghari recently claimed that 20 teams had agreed to take part, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta has named 15 clubs - including Feyenoord - that are ready to join.

But Feyenoord have hit back, and insisted they have no interest in being involved in the ESL.

A club statement posted on X on Friday evening read: 'Feyenoord is very surprised by reports in international media that the club has agreed to participate in the so-called Super League. This is total nonsense.'

Feyenoord also raised doubts about the ESL back in December in the immediate aftermath of the European court ruling, and claimed they had not spoken to anyone about the possibility of signing up to a revamped version of it.

'Feyenoord insists it has made no commitments, nor has it ever spoken to the people behind the possible Super League, as some foreign publications suggest,' the club wrote on their official website.

'With what the club knows so far, it has doubts whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and for the national leagues. Through the ECA, the club will continue to think about the future, improvements within European football and strengthening the position of Dutch football.

'Feyenoord will continue to follow all developments closely.'

Feyenoord's latest stance is a blow for Laporta after he had