Organisers of the European Super League say they plan to “reshape” the controversial project after being hit by the withdrawals of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were all announced as being among the 12 founder members of the breakaway competition on Sunday, but on Tuesday night all of those clubs announced in quick succession that they were enacting protocol to pull out following fan protests and a huge backlash from players, managers, football authorities, leagues, pundits and governments alike.
The Super League responded to those withdrawals with a statement released in the early hours of Wednesday morning in which they reiterated their belief that the existing European football structure is not fit for purpose and said that the English clubs had been “forced” to withdraw as a result of the significant pressure applied from those opposing the proposals.
They added that they plan to now take the “most appropriate steps to reshape the project” moving forward.
“The European Super League is convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change,” the statement read
“We are proposing a new European competition because the existing system does not work.
“Our proposal is aimed at allowing the sport to evolve while generating resources and stability for the full football pyramid, including helping to overcome the financial difficulties experienced by the entire football community as a result of the pandemic.
“It would also provide materially enhanced solidarity payments to all football stakeholders.
“Despite the announced departure of the English clubs, forced to take such decisions due to the pressure put on them, we are convinced our proposal is fully aligned with European law and regulations as was demonstrated today by a court decision to protect the Super League from third party actions.
“Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.”