CHELSEA, CITY TO PULL OUT OF LEAGUE: REPORTS
Premier League clubs face furious backlash against controversial plan
Chelsea and Manchester City are set to withdraw from proposals for a European Super League yesterday after a furious backlash against the controversial plan.
Chelsea and City were two of 12 leading European clubs to sign up to the breakaway league on Sunday.
But reaction to the incendiary scheme has been scathing, with politicians and football authorities threatening to take legal action against the so-called “dirty dozen” and potentially ban them from domestic leagues.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were the other 10 sides to agree to the plan.
However, reports have emerged that Atletico and Barcelona are both also considering withdrawing. Chelsea and City’s decision to backtrack could spark the collapse of a project that has sparked outrage across the continent.
The Athletic and the BBC reported that Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has resigned.
Earlier yesterday, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin told the clubs it was not too late to admit they had made a mistake.
“Gentlemen, you made a huge mistake,” said Ceferin.
“Some will say it is greed, some complete ignorance of England’s football culture. There’s still time to change your mind. Everyone makes mistakes.”
Make their feelings known
Over 1,000 fans gathered outside Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium to protest against the plan ahead yesterday’s Premier League match against Brighton.
Less than two hours after the protesters made their feelings known, it was first reported that Chelsea are preparing documentation to become the first club to withdraw from the competition. The BBC reported that Blues owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, now the club’s technical adviser, had come out of the stadium in a bid to persuade fans to clear the roads as the home side’s team bus was held up by the protest, causing kickoff to be delayed by 15 minutes.
Cech was heard shouting
“give us time” before being drowned out by angry protesters.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford shared an image on Twitter of one of the banners, which covers the stands at Old Trafford. The banner carries a quote from the club’s legendary former manager Sir Matt Busby, which reads: “Football is nothing without fans”.
Several Premier League clubs yesterday denounced the plans
for a breakaway competition, with Everton leading the way by blasting their “preposterous arrogance”.
Saddened by proposals
The other 14 Premier League clubs met yesterday along with the English Football Association where they “unanimously and vigorously rejected” the plans and are considering action to bring the six clubs to account under its rules.
“Everton is saddened and disappointed to see proposals of a breakaway league pushed forward by six clubs,” the Merseyside club said in a statement.
“Six clubs acting entirely in their own interests. Six clubs tarnishing the reputation of our league and the game.”