Manchester United and City decide to pull out of European Super League
All six English clubs have now officially withdrawn
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
By PA Sport Staff
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have confirmed their intention to pull out of the proposed European Super League.
City, along with the other members of English football’s so-called ‘big six’, were among 12 clubs plotting to form a breakaway rival to the Champions League.
English football’s so-called ‘big six’ have confirmed their intention to pull out of the proposed European Super League.
Manchester City became the first team to quit the controversial project on Tuesday evening and were later followed by Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.
The PA news agency understands Chelsea have also begun proceedings to withdraw from the breakaway competition.
It capped a remarkable evening of developments in the saga which also saw United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward resign.
A City statement read: “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.”
In a statement, United 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.”
City’s withdrawal came after manager Pep Guardiola had publicly criticised the Super League concept, which would see the ‘founding members’ guaranteed entry each year, earlier in the day.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed the news about City.
“I am delighted to welcome City back to the European football family,” the Slovenian said.
“They have shown great intelligence in listening to the many voices – most notably their fans – that have spelled out the vital benefits that the current system has for the whole of European football.
“It takes courage to admit a mistake but I have never doubted that they had the ability and common sense to make that decision.
“City are a real asset for the game and I am delighted to be working with them for a better future for the European game.”
A statement from the Football Association read: “We welcome news that some of the clubs have decided to abandon the plans for the European Super League, which threatened the whole football pyramid.
“English football has a proud history based on opportunity for all clubs and the game has been unanimous in its disapproval of a closed league. It was a position that, by design, could have divided our game; but instead, it has unified us all.”
The affair has made for a remarkable three days in European football with the formation of the Super League having only been announced on Sunday night.
Liverpool, Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Tottenham from England had joined forces with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan – all apparently unhappy at proposed changes to the Champions League – to create their own competition.
A number of other high-profile players had tweeted their disapproval.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne tweeted: “This man comes out a little town out of Belgium dreaming of playing at the highest stage possible.
“I have worked and competed against everybody trying to win the ultimate. But the most Shortly after City announced their intention to pull out of the proposed European Super League, forward Raheem Sterling tweeted: “OK bye” along with a wave emoji.important word in this is COMPETING.
“We know this is a big business and I know I am part of this business. But still I am a little boy who just loves to play football.
“It’s not about a certain entity in this case, it’s about the football over the whole world. Let’s keep inspiring the next generation of footballers and keep the fans dreaming.”
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw expressed his concern that the “changes could impact the sport that I and millions of others love”.
He added on Twitter: “We’ve been without supporters in stadiums for over a year now and I know how much myself and the team have missed them in each and every game.
“Fans and players should always have a voice and their opinion should always be counted.”