n8rngtd.topManchester clubs United and City have joined Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in issuing a strong statement on the European Super League.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- European giants reject Super League
- Real Madrid & Barcelona cornered
- Super League future remains in darkness
-
Table of Contents
ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
In the wake of a landmark victory in the European courts for the Super League propagators, United became the first Premier League club to unequivocally reject rejoining a new European Super League (ESL). The decision follows the announcement of new plans for a three-tier rebel format, made immediately after judges ruled that UEFA rules blocking the formation of such a competition were contrary to EU law. The same sentiment was echoed by Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico as well who put out their respective statements in rejecting the breakaway competition.
-
WHAT UNITED AND BAYERN SAID
The club officially put out a statement which read: "Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game."
Whereas Bayern Munich CEO and Vice-Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), Jan-Christian Dreesen said: "We have taken note of the judgement of the European Court of Justice. However, this does not change FC Bayern's and the ECA's position that such a competition would be an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the structure of European football. The Bundesliga is the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues are the foundation of other European football clubs. It is therefore our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not to weaken them. We are also committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So let me make it very clear once again that the door for the Super League remains closed at FC Bayern.”
-
WHAT CITY, TOTTENHAM AND CHELSEA SAID
Later on Thursday, United's rivals City reiterated their stance against the breakaway tournament, writing in an official statement: "Manchester City Football Club confirmed in 2021 that it had formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League. Our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."
Tottenham's stance mirrored that of their Premier League counterparts, adding in a statement released shortly after City's: "Following today’s (Thursday, 21 December) ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding the European Super League (ESL), we should like to confirm that our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."
Chelsea also sought to distance themselves from the ESL, writing in their own statement: "The judgment issued today by the European Court of Justice does not change Chelsea FC’s position. We firmly believe that, by working with the Premier League, The FA, other European clubs through our strong relationship with the ECA, and with UEFA and FIFA, we can, together, continue to develop the European game for the benefit of everyone."
-
WHAT ARSENAL & LIVERPOOL SAID
Arsenal took a day to ponder over the revised ESL format but ultimately rejected it and cleared their stance through a statement that read: "Arsenal Football Club notes the judgement by the European Court of Justice on Thursday, 21 December 2023 and our position in relation to the European Super League has not changed. We will continue to play in UEFA competitions and continue to work with fellow European clubs and the European Club Association (ECA)."
A couple of hours later, Liverpool also followed suit and put out a statement communicating the same: "Yesterday’s ruling by the European Court of Justice does not change Liverpool FC’s previous stance on a proposed European Super League. Our involvement has been discontinued. We will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."
Advertisement