Uefa to ban clubs who take part in ‘cynical’ project

Uefa and English, Spanish and Italian football authorities announced yesterday that any clubs who take part in a so-called European Super League would be banned from all other domestic and continental competitions.

European football’s governing body said it had learned that some English, Spanish and Italian clubs might announce a breakaway competition.

“The clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams,” Uefa said in a statement.

Media reports yesterday suggested that an announcement on plans to create a Super League could be made later in the day. Sky Sports reported that Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were among six Premier League teams set to be part of the plans.

“If this were to happen, we wish to reiterate that we — Uefa, the English FA, RFEF, FIGC, the Premier League, La Liga, Lega Serie A, but also Fifa and all our member associations — will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs at a time when society needs solidarity more than ever,” read the statement.

Arsenal currently sit ninth in the Premier League, well off the pace in the race to qualify for Europe, while Liverpool and Chelsea are both also currently outside the Champions League spots.

“Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream.”