Six English sides formally withdraw from European Super League

A metal figure of a football player with a ball is seen in front of the words "European Super League" and the UEFA logo in this illustration taken April 20, 2021. [REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration]

All six English teams involved in the plans for the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/2001410123/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-proposed-european-super-league">European Super League< have officially sensationally withdrawn from the tournament.

Manchester City were the first to formally announce they were walking away from the plans as they released a statement earlier in the day which 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."

And Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham followed later in the night with the competition left in tatters.

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."

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

 Chelsea fans protest the planned European Super League outside the stadium before a match. It was announced twelve of Europe's top football clubs will launch a breakaway [REUTERS/Matthew Childs]

"In recent days, the club has received representations from various key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions."

Arsenal apologised to supporters, and wrote an open letter which included the words: "As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.

"We know it will take time to restore your faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal but let us be clear that the decision to be part of the Super League was driven by our desire to protect Arsenal, the club you love, and to support the game you love through greater solidarity and financial stability."

And Tottenham's statement included quotes from chairman Daniel Levy, who said: "We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal. We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.

"We believe that we should never stand still and that the sport should constantly review competitions and governance to ensure the game we all love continues to evolve and excite fans around the world.

"We should like to thank all those supporters who presented their considered opinions."

Chelsea have yet to make an official statement but are known to have also walked away.