An insight into the roles played by two of the Premier League’s clubs in the formation of the widely criticised European Super League has been forthcoming on Monday evening.
ESL incoming
News of a potential shake-up to the European football landscape as we know it has of course taken centre stage across the globe over the last 24 hours.
This comes after twelve clubs – six from England, three from Spain and three from Italy – revealed plans to establish a new ‘Super League’.
The competition would see a total of fifteen of the continent’s finest break away from the current structures of the European game, to form their own Champions League alternative.
European Super League confirmed as 12 clubs announce new breakaway competition https://t.co/SSPDUbX7oK
— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) April 19, 2021
The widespread reaction to the proposal, which has been signed off on by Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus and more, has been one of utter disgust.
UEFA, for one, have already laid down a number of threats, including the expulsion of all participating clubs from domestic competition, and a ban on any Super League-based players from both the European Championships and World Cup.
UEFA’s Alexander Ceferin confirms: “The players that will play in the Super League will be banned from playing in the World Cup and Euros. Ceferin. They will not be allowed play for their national teams”. 🚫🇪🇺 #SuperLeague
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 19, 2021
Get on board or…
Amongst the clubs to have been most heavily targeted amid the backlash have been Juventus – due to Andrea Agnelli’s central role, Real Madrid – the same for Florentino Perez, and north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham – amid a lack of recent competitiveness.
An interesting insight into exactly how two of the less talked about members – in the form of Chelsea and Manchester City – ended up committing to the Super League, though, has been provided on Monday evening.
The info comes courtesy of the reliable Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph.
Law suggests that both Chelsea and City were only made aware of the imminent implementation of the ESL last week.
In turn, the Premier League heavyweights were essentially given two options:
- Provide their backing and join the ten other clubs in pushing forward with the rejuvenation of European football.
- Oppose the movement, and risk being left behind – from both a sporting and economic perspective.
I’m told Chelsea and Manchester City were informed the Super League was going ahead last week and were basically given the option of get on board or risk being left behind. They were not drivers of the plan…1/2
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) April 19, 2021
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