European Super League: 12 major football clubs had signed for a new league outside of the traditional Champions League, called the European Super League. All the Premier League clubs, who were a part of the Super League have withdrawn from the league after the reaction from fans and players, alike. Manchester United in an official statement said, “Manchester United will not be participating in the European Super League. We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government, and other key stakeholders. We remain committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the game.”
The English teams, that were part of the ESL were Man United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
But what is the ESL?
ESL is basically a proposed league that will include 16 of the richest teams in Europe. Teams like Man United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid signed up for this league. This league evaded all forms of qualifications that are present in the current structure of the Champions League.
It faced a lot of opposition from fans and ex-footballers. Gary Neville in a show on Sky Sports said: “They are imposters… the owners; they have nothing to do with football.” Such angry reactions from fans forced the teams to withdraw from the Super League.
Inter Milan and AC Milan who are the most recent ones to exit also gave official statements about their stand on Super League:
AC Milan: “The voice and concerns of supporters throughout the world about the Super League project have been strong and clear, and our Club must remain sensitive and attentive to the opinion of those who love this sport”
Inter Milan: “Inter confirms that the club is no longer a member of the Super League project. We are always committed to giving the fans the best football experience; innovation and inclusion are part of our DNA”.
Earlier, FIFA had also disapproved of the ESL in an official statement.
"FIFA can only express its DISAPPROVAL to a 'closed European breakaway league' outside of the international football structures and not respecting the aforementioned principles"
The fans all over the world are taking a sigh of relief as the ESL closes on shutting down after 48 hours of its announcement. Arrival of ESL would have meant further problems for the small clubs who are already facing an economic crisis due to the Covid-19 situation.