Four days that rocked football
Led by the English brigade 10 of the 12 clubs pulled out of the Super League, dealing a fatal blow to a project that prompted an incendiary reaction from supporters in the 48 hours it was alive since its unveiling.
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021
Afternoon
English press breaks news that announcement of a breakaway European Super League is imminent, with five of England’s “Big 6” clubs already on board with the move and only Manchester City yet to confirm their participation. It is later learnt that City are also on board and so are six other teams from across Europe who will jointly make an announcement of their intent later in the day.
Evening
As news of the development breaks, there is tremendous backlash from fans and pundits on social media.
“It’s pure greed, they’re impostors. The owners of Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City have nothing to do with football in this country.”
Gary Neville, former Man United captain and Sky Sports pundit
UEFA, the English FA, the Premier League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), LaLiga, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Serie A, threatens sanction against the rebel clubs.
The UK government also offers its support to football authorities against the 12 clubs.
Night
At 11pm, the official announcement of the Super League is made by the 12 rebel clubs. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is named as the president of the planned competition. . .
“We will help football at every level and take it to its rightful place in the world,” Perez says.
He added the tournament will begin “as soon as practicable”.
MONDAY, APRIL 19
Morning
The ESL writes to UEFA and FIFA, saying it is beginning legal proceedings to prevent the authorities from taking action against them.
Senior officials from these clubs also resign from the European Club Association. German clubs Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund publicly oppose the Super League and offer support to reforms in the existing UEFA-run Champions League.
Afternoon
UEFA approves expansion of the Champions League to 36 teams from 2024. UEFA president Alexander Ceferin reserves his strongest comments for Man United chief executive Ed Woodward and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who are reported to be among the masterminds behind the project.
“We didn’t know we had snakes so close to us; now we know,” Alexander Ceferin
Evening
Leeds United players wear t-shirts carrying the Champions League logo and the phrases “Earn it” and “Football is for the fans” before their Premier League game against Liverpool. After the game, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and senior player James Milner become the first major dissenting voices from within the 12 rebel clubs as they voice their disapproval at the Super League.
Night
"Young people are no longer interested in football. They have other platforms on which to distract themselves," Florentino Perez, Real Madrid and ESL president Perez adds that the Super League would “save football” by bringing the young fans back to the sport.
He also says the Super League is prepared for a legal battle against football authorities.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20
Morning/afternoon
Reports in England suggest Man City and Chelsea are unsure of their participation in the Super League following widespread fan backlash.
City coach Pep Guardiola too voices his displeasure at the planned competition.
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, meanwhile, comments that clubs who are part of the rebellion will have to “live with the consequences” of their move. He reiterates FIFA’s disapproval of the Super League.
Evening
Footballers, including those from Liverpool, Man United and other rebel clubs, voice their opposition on social media.
A court in Spain, meanwhile, offers protection to the 12 clubs from sanctions by UEFA and FIFA. However, fissures begin to emerge as reports suggest all English clubs are contemplating pulling out of the planned tournament.
Night
Woodward says he will quit United at the end of 2021.
All English clubs pull out of the Super League.
Arsenal are the first to apologise to fans. “We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.” The plans for the Super League effectively collapse at this point but Agnelli remains adamant, saying plans haven’t been shelved.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21
Morning
Liverpool owner John Henry releases a video in which he apologises to the club’s supporters.
"I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days. It’s something I won’t forget. And shows the power the fans have today and will rightly continue to have."
John Henry, Liverpool owner
Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan also withdraw from the Super League.
"I remain convinced of the beauty of that project," he tells Reuters. "But admittedly ... I mean, I don't think that that project is now still up and running." Andrea Agnelli, Juventus chairman finally concedes defeat.