The Premier League “condemns” the proposal of a European Super League after the big six of English football signed letters of intent to join.
So far 12 European clubs have signed up to the breakaway competition, including Manchester City, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham from the Premier League.
In a statement released on Sunday, a spokesperson for 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 currently 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.
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
“The Premier League is proud to run a competitive and compelling football competition that has made it the most widely watched league in the world. Our success has enabled us to make an unrivalled financial contribution to the domestic football pyramid.
“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.
“We will work with fans, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA, as well as other stakeholders, at home and abroad, to defend the integrity and future prospects of English football in the best interests of the game.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to hold the chairman’s role within the league’s new structure with Liverpool’s John W. Henry, Man United’s Joel Glazer, Arsenal’s Stan Kroenke and Juventus’ Andrea Agnelli as vice-chairmen.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan are the European sides who have signed up for the competition alongside the six English clubs.
(Image: Getty Images)
The clubs’ combined involvement would entirely devalue any UEFA competition, with UEFA’s announcement of its own proposal for a revamped Champions League just 24 hours away.
The six English clubs, who have no plans to resign from the domestic game, need the support of the Premier League for the idea to come to fruition.
But the Premier League is not prepared to weaken its own competition and is staunchly against the proposal, as explained in Sunday’s statement.
The FA also released a statement on Sunday, reading: “The FA has been made aware of certain English clubs planning to form a closed European Super League with other European clubs. It is clear that this would be damaging to English and European football at all levels and will attack the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are fundamental to competitive sport.
“For new competitions to be formed involving clubs from different associations, approval would be required from the relevant national associations, confederation and/or FIFA. We would not provide permission to any competition that would be damaging to English football and will take any legal and/or regulatory action necessary to protect the broader interests of the game.
“We note FIFA confirmed earlier this year that they and the six confederations would not recognise any such competition and, as such, any player or club involved may not be permitted to participate in any official competition which falls within the auspices of FIFA or their respective confederation.
“The FA will continue to work with UEFA, FIFA and the Premier League to seek to ensure that nothing is approved that has the potential to damage English football. We will work with fans, the Premier League, EFL, PFA and LMA, as well as other stakeholders, at home and abroad, to defend the integrity and future prospects of English football in the best interests of the game.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said any decisions should involve fans.
In a statement he said: “Football supporters are the heartbeat of our national sport and any major decisions made should have their backing.
“With many fans, we are concerned that this plan could create a closed shop at the very top of our national game. Sustainability, integrity and fair competition are absolutely paramount and anything that undermines this is deeply troubling and damaging for football.
“We have a football pyramid where funds from the globally successful Premier League flow down the leagues and into local communities. I would be bitterly disappointed to see any action that destroys that.”
12 Clubs signed up for European Super League
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England: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham
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Spain: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
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Italy: AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
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