Newcastle United take strong position on proposed European Super League backed by Manchester United and Liverpool

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are among the 12 clubs which have agreed to join the proposed European Super League (ESL).

The Premier League have condemned the move along with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and FIFA, who had been looking to see of the plan with a revamped Champions League.

In a statement, the Premier League said: “The Premier League condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid.

"Fans of any club in England, and across Europe, can dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best. We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream.

"A European Super League will undermine the appeal of the whole game, and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future prospects of the Premier League and its member clubs, and all those in football who rely on our funding and solidarity to prosper.”

The Premier League pledged to work with fans, governing bodies and “other stakeholders” to “defend the integrity and future prospects of English football”.

Newcastle are yet to make a statement on the ESL plan, though the Gazette understands that the club “strongly opposes” the move. The club has previously competed in the Champions League.

The breakaway clubs hope to start the ESL “as soon as practicable”.

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