A host of Europe's elite, including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, have moved to publicly reject joining the European Super League.
On Thursday morning, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted against competition law by blocking the formation of the European Super League in 2021.
It sparked huge backlash from fans and clubs as A22 Sports Management, the company behind this new European Super League, unveiled their ambitious new format proposal.
Advert
And throughout the day, a number of teams from Europe's top five leagues have distanced themselves from the project.
Manchester United were one of the first clubs to act after the news emerged. “Our position has not changed," they wrote.
"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."
Eight other clubs also moved to play down taking part in the project, including Ligue 1 clubs Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco, and La Liga trio Sevilla, Valencia and Atletico Madrid.
Advert
The following also released a statement confirming their decision.
Atletico Madrid: “The European football family does not want the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. do not want the Super League.
“We are in favor of protecting the European football family, safeguarding domestic leagues, and ensuring that qualification for European competitions is achieved through on-field performance every season."
Bayern Munich: “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed. Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football."
Advert
Borussia Dortmund: “We are not available for Super League."
Paris Saint-Germain: “Paris Saint-Germain totally and utterly rejects any plans for a so-called Super League, which has been the case from day one and will always remain the case.
“As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European sporting model, the values of open competition and inclusion, and works with all recognised stakeholders in European football - above all with the fans and players, who are at the heart of the game."
Sevilla and Valencia: "Earn it on the pitch."
Advert
Monaco: “AS Monaco would like to express its full commitment to the principle of sporting merit which governs UEFA competitions and the French championship.
“AS Monaco will continue to work with the Ligue 1 clubs within the Ligue de Football Professionnel, and with other clubs through the ECA, in order to participate progressively and collectively in the development of football."
Roma: “The club in no way endorses any so-called Super League project that would present an unacceptable attack on the importance of the national leagues and the foundations of European football.
“AS Roma believes that European football’s future well-being can only be secured through clubs working together through ECA in strong partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA."
Advert
Manchester City: As per journalist Ben Jacobs, "Manchester City's position on the European Super League remains the same. No new statement expected, but sources point back to their original withdrawal one from 2021."
A22 Sports Management, however, state it is "committed" to bringing solutions to the most pressing issues facing football today.
They believe improvements are needed to make top flight football more accessible to all fans, and want to address financial instability at club level and increase investment into the women’s game, as well as improve the competitiveness of domestic leagues.
Featured Image Credit: European Super LeagueTopics: European Super League, Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain
