Inquiry into Super League

MANCHESTER: The English Football Association has opened an inquiry into the Super League rebellion and sought evidence from the six English clubs involved in the breakaway that could lead to punishments.

The Premier League also disclosed yesterday it had prepared measures to stop teams playing in closed competitions.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham launched an illfated attempt two weeks ago to found a new European competition along with three Spanish and three Italian clubs.

The project imploded after fan outrage and threats from the British Government of legislation being introduced to stop the Super League.

The FA said it was focused on ‘‘preventing it from happening, both now and in the future’’.

It said it had been working with the Government in pursuit of a law to guard against similar threats and protect the English football pyramid.

‘‘Last week, we started an official inquiry into the formation of the European Super League and the involvement of the six English clubs,’’ the FA said.

It has written to the clubs asking for all evidence regarding their participation.

‘‘Once we have the required information, we will consider what appropriate steps to take,’’ it said.

‘‘Clearly what happened was unacceptable and could have caused great harm to clubs at every level of English football.’’

The Premier League said it had prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game: an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.