European Super League: All six Premier League clubs withdraw from competition

All six Premier League clubs bowed to supporter pressure and have withdrawn from the European Super League

Manchester City were the first club to pull out after Chelsea signalled their intent to do so by preparing documentation to withdraw.

On a dramatic Tuesday evening, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal all followed suit and confirmed they intended to withdraw from the project.

In response to their departures, the Super League announced early on Wednesday morning it is considering “appropriate steps to reshape the project”.

Uefa welcome English clubs withdrawal

The six Premier League clubs had joined forces with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan to create a rival competition to the Champions League.

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

“I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake. 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.”

However, the Super League remained defiant in its statement on Wednesday morning, adding it is “convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change”.

It said in a statement: “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.

“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.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said the club “regret the anxiety and upset caused by the proposal” while Arsenal apologised for their “mistake”.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were a little more prosaic in announcing their withdrawals with short statements.