European clubs and leagues reject Super League after EU Court verdict

Major clubs and leagues across Europe rejected the Super League in favour of the status quo following Thursday’s EU court verdict which said UEFA and FIFA contravened EU law by preventing the formation of a Super League.

Manchester United were one of the first to say they remain committed to playing in competitions run by Europe’s football governing body UEFA, as did German champions Bayern Munich.

United were one of the 12 clubs involved in the formation of the breakaway Super League in April 2021 but pulled out due to pressure from fans, governments and players.

“Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game,” the club said.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were the other five Premier League clubs involved before pulling out.

Two months after the six English clubs pulled out of the project in 2021, they said they would offer a combined 22 million pounds as “a gesture of goodwill” to go towards the good of the game, including new investment to support fans, grassroots football and community programmes.

The Premier League said they would face a 30-point deduction if they attempt a similar move in future and each would be fined 25 million pounds for any such breakaway attempt.

“The ruling does not endorse the so-called “European Super League” and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a ‘breakaway’ competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.”