Fan power: Football Super League plans falter in face of protests
Plans for a breakaway European Super League were plunged into chaos last night as Chelsea and Manc hester City – two of six English clubs involved in the project – were reported to be withdrawing as fans’ protests forced the clubs to change their minds
Plans for a breakaway European Super League were plunged into chaos last night as Chelsea and Manchester City – two of six English clubs involved in the project – were reported to be withdrawing.
On a day when Prime Minister Boris Johnson had promised that football club owners would not be allowed to create a“closed shop” with the european Super League, fans’ protests saw the london club appearing to carry out a volte face.
And fellow English giants Manchester city are also reportedto be pulling out–along with two of the three Spanish clubs involved.
Hundreds of chelsea fans who had gathered outside stamford Bridge to protest against the plans cheered when they heard the news, one saying: "The fans have won."
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to pull out of the new European league plans.
Chelsea are the first of England's “Big Six” clubs to choose to quit the competition, which was only announced on Sunday night.
Manchester City refused to comment on reports they too plan to quit, saying: "We cannot comment for legal reasons."
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly also withdrawn, but it is understood Manchester United and Liverpool have not changed their position.
Abramovich's motivations are thought never to have been about money, and the Blues are now understood to be preparleague ing documents to withdraw formally from the competition.
Stamford Bridge chiefs were only thought to have signed up as a founder member of the Super League in order not to be left behind by the rogue breakaway. But after resounding condemnation from across the political and sporting spectrum, Chelsea appear to have decided to pull out of the competition – less than 48 hours after it was announced.
Chelsea fans launched a mass protest outside of Stamford Bridge, with banners criticising the club for their decision to join the controversial super league.
Scores of fans chanted, let off blue smoke bombs and marched around the west London ground, with police attempting to control the crowds.
The Prime Minister and UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden met yesterday with representatives from the Football Association, the Premier and fan groups to discuss action after plans were revealed for the proposed european Super League.
Mr Johnson told football fans he stood in solidarity with them and insisted supporters must be at the heart of any decisions about the future of the game. He told attendees the UK government would not standby while a “small handful of owners created a closed shop”.
Speaking at yesterday’ s downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister claimed the plans“off ends against the basic principles of competition”.
Uefa said: "We will consider all measureslevels, both judicial and sporting, to prevent this happening. The clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.”