European Super League respond to 'forced' move from Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea last night confirmed their intention to withdraw from the controversial project.

In an “open letter to fans”, Arsenal said: “As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.

In response, the European Super League (ESL) today revealed that it’s considering “appropriate steps to reshape the project”.

The ESL statement read: “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.

“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.

“The European Super League is convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change. 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.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed the withdrawal of the English clubs from the planned league.

“I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake,” said Ceferin. “But they are back in the fold now, and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions, but to the whole of the European game.

“The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together.”

The proposal was opposed by Newcastle United. The 14 Premier League clubs not involved met for an emergency meeting yesterday to plot their response to the ESL.

There was a protest out Stamford Bridge before last night’s game between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion.

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