Infantino absence casts shadow over Laporta-led Barcelona delegation at ECA assembly

Juan Laporta has led Barcelona’s delegation at the European Club Association’s annual assembly in Copenhagen, while Real Madrid were represented by Anas Lagari, one of Florentino Perez’s closest advisers.

The contrasting appearances reflect the changing alliances and tensions within European football. Barcelona attended the gathering as a full ECA member with their president at the head of the delegation, while Real Madrid were not allocated a seat despite Lagari being present in the meeting hall, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

The ECA, chaired by Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, is holding its annual assembly in the Danish capital after its membership rose to 850 clubs. Racing Santander have joined the organisation, along with several other Spanish sides, including Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Real Betis and Villarreal.

A place has also been reserved for a women’s club from Madrid competing in Liga F.

Real Madrid’s position comes after the club returned to the framework of European football following an agreement with UEFA and withdrew from the European Super League project. However, its standing within the ECA remains different from that of the other Spanish clubs involved in the organisation.

Perez’s representative

Lagari, a French banker of Moroccan origin who specialises in financial operations, is regarded as one of Perez’s most trusted advisers. With the Real Madrid president absent from the assembly, he was chosen to represent the club at a meeting attended by leading figures in European football.

His relationship with Perez dates back to his childhood. Lagari has advised him on a range of matters, both through the ACS group and within Real Madrid, making him one of the key figures relied upon by the club president on sensitive issues.

The Copenhagen meeting was attended by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and general secretary Giorgio Marchetti, as well as senior representatives from a number of Europe’s leading clubs.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attended last year’s meeting in Rome, was absent this time. He was represented by FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.

Infantino’s absence attracted attention amid debate over several of his recent proposals, including the idea of privatising the World Cup.