Clubs Quit European Super League After Backlash
England’s six Premier League clubs that pledged to form the European Super League have withdrawn from the proposals following a huge backlash against the plans.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham all withdrew from the proposed break-away league last night which would have seen the formation of a 20 team ‘closed-shop’ league. They have been joined by Italian club Inter Milan and Spanish club Atletico Madrid.
News of the clubs’ decision has been largely welcomed with each releasing statements late last night (20th Apr) confirming they were leaving the project which prompted UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to suggest the plans amounted to a ‘cartel’ and that he would do everything he could to stop the clubs from participating.
Issuing a video earlier today, Liverpool owner, John Henry expressed his deep regret of the plans stating: “I want to apologise to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused over the past 48 hours.
“It goes without saying but should be said that the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans. No-one ever thought differently in England. Over these 48 hours you were very clear that it would not stand. We heard you. I heard you.
“And I want to apologise to Jürgen, to Billy, to the players and to everyone who works so hard at LFC to make our fans proud. They have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption. They were the most disrupted and unfairly so. This is what hurts most. They love your club and work to make you proud every single day.”
Joining the six English clubs in abandoning the plans are Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, who have within the hour announced their intention to withdraw.
A statement released by Italian club, Inter read: “FC Internazionale Milano confirm that the Club is no longer part of the Super League project.
“We are always committed to giving fans the best football experience; innovation and inclusion are part of our DNA since our foundation. Our engagement with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change.”
“Inter believes that football, like every sector of activity, must have an interest in constantly improving its competitions, to keep on exciting fans of all ages around the world, within a framework of financial sustainability.
“With this vision we look forward to carry on working together with institutions and all stakeholders for the future of the sport we all love.”
With eight clubs now out of the picture it seems highly unlikely the Super League will get off the ground.
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