EPL ‘big six’ clubs withdraw from European Super League amid outrage

The top six English Premier League (EPL) clubs have renounced their participation in the proposed European Super League (ESL). 

Manchester City were the first team to leave the controversial project and were subsequently followed by Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Arsenal.

The withdrawal comes after thousands of EPL fans protested against their clubs’ agreement to be part of the newly formed league.

In a short statement on Tuesday night, Manchester City said they have “formally enacted the procedures to withdraw” from the Super League.

“Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League,” the club wrote as the negative reactions regarding the ESL continue to pile worldwide.

Club statement.https://t.co/GeNQZn8091

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

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In the same vein, Arsenal, in a statement on its website, “apologised” to its supporters across the world while also stating that the club “made a mistake”.

“It was never our intention to cause such distress, however when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future,” the statement read.

As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League.

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We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2021

“We needed no reminding of this but the response from supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought.”

Manchester United also reversed their decision to join the proscribed European Super League.

According to a statement on the club’s website: “Manchester United will not be participating in the European Super League.

We will not be participating in the European Super League.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2021

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“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.”

Liverpool Football Club can confirm that our involvement in proposed plans to form a European Super League has been discontinued.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 20, 2021

Liverpool said its involvement in the widely-denounced project “has been discontinued” while Tottenham also disclosed that they would not participate.

While Chelsea are yet to put out a statement confirming their withdrawal, it is believed that the Blues will exit the controversial league due to the widespread criticism.

We can confirm that we have formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the group developing proposals for a European Super League (ESL).#THFC ⚪️ #COYS

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021

Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, had earlier hailed Chelsea and Man City for “absolutely making the right” decision and hopes others “will follow their lead”.

“The decision by Chelsea and Manchester City is – if confirmed – absolutely the right one and I commend them for it. I hope the other clubs involved in the European Super League will follow their lead,” he wrote on Twitter.

The decision by Chelsea and Manchester City is – if confirmed – absolutely the right one and I commend them for it.

I hope the other clubs involved in the European Super League will follow their lead.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 20, 2021

The withdrawal of these EPL top clubs is expected to put pressure on the six other teams as the project continues to stir disapproval.

The clubs include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan.