The 12 team European Super league has suffered a major set-back in the fact that half of those teams have now taken an exit from the competition. All of England’s “Big 6” have withdrawn from the Super league following a huge amount of fan protests.
Manchester City were the first team to announce their departure from the newly formed league and the other clubs followed soon. It was a startling collapse which began with news that Chelsea, who were playing Brighton at a Stamford Bridge surrounded by protesters, were about to abandon the project.
The Super League now stands suspended
Manchester City confirmed they have “formally enacted the procedures to withdraw” from the Super League.
The Premier League leaders said in a statement on Tuesday evening: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League.”
Liverpool said their involvement in the proposed breakaway league “has been discontinued”.
“In recent days, the club has received representations from various key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions,” – said Liverpool’s statement.
Manchester United said they had “listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders” in making their decision to not take part.
“We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders. We remain committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the game,” – said United’s statement.
Arsenal apologised in an open letter to their fans and said they had “made a mistake“, adding they were withdrawing after listening to them and the “wider football community”.
“We know it will take time to restore your faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal but let us be clear that the decision to be part of the Super League was driven by our desire to protect Arsenal, the club you love, and to support the game you love through greater solidarity and financial stability.” – Open letter from Arsenal to their fans.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said the club regretted the “anxiety and upset” caused by the proposal.
Daniel Levy told the club’s website: “We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal. We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.” – Tottenahm’s official statement.
Chelsea confirmed they have “begun the formal procedures for withdrawal from the group” that they only joined “late last week”.
“We have now had time to consider the matter fully and have decided that our continued participation in these plans would not be in the best interests of the club, our supporters or the wider football community.” – said Chelsea’s official statement.
UEFA have welcomed these 6 clubs back to their competitions and wants the other 6 clubs to follow suit and remain a part of their European competitions.
The future of the Super League now rests in the hands of the Non premier League clubs who are still yet to exit the league. although there have been reports that Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan are on the brink of quitting the league no official statement has been made by each of these clubs.
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