European Super League Plans Halted as PL Clubs Lead U-Turn
Man United cited the reaction from their fans, stakeholders and the UK government as key reasons for their U-turn.
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The 6 Premier League clubs involved in the breakaway European Super League have all formally withdrawn from the competition. Italian giants Inter Milan is also reportedly planning to withdraw from the Super League as are AC Milan.
With the sudden change of minds of the 8 clubs the Super League currently stands suspended, according to a report.
‘Reshape Project ESL’
"Despite the announced departure of the English clubs, forced to take such decisions due to the pressure on them, we are convinced our proposal is fully aligned with European law and regulations," said a statement issued by the Super League.
"Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community", the statement further read.
Manchester City was the first to pull out and London based Chelsea followed suit as well soon after. The other four sides - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham - have all now followed suit.
The 12-team Super League was announced on Sunday to widespread condemnation.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin welcomed the reversal, adding: "They are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game.
"The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together."
The U-Turn
On Tuesday evening, Man City confirmed they have "formally enacted the procedures to withdraw" from the Super League while last season’s Premier League champions Liverpool clarified that their involvement in the proposed breakaway league "has been discontinued".
Manchester United cited the reaction from their fans, stakeholders and the UK government as key reasons for their U-turn.
“We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders,” said the club owned by the American Glazer family and listed on the New York Stock Exchange. “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.”
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".
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said the club regretted the "anxiety and upset" caused by the proposal.
Chelsea confirmed they have "begun the formal procedures for withdrawal from the group" that they only joined "late last week".
In the aftermath, Man United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has announced that he will end step down from his role at the end of the ongoing season.
(With Inputs from ESPN and The Guardian)
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