It was met with widespread condemnation an criticism; Players, Fans, Managers and even Politicians, but the European Super League seems to have crumbled before it started, with four of the 12 teams reportedly set to withdraw.
Martin Lipton of The Sun, confirmed in a tweet that Manchester City FC have withdrawn from the Super League. He wrote: “Manchester City pulling out of Super League. City have told organisers they no longer want to be part of the £4.6billion scheme.
“City are the first team to pull out. It is understood Chelsea are preparing documentation to do the same.”
Manchester City pulling out of Super League. City have told organisers they no longer want to be part of the £4.6billion scheme. Full details coming @SunSport @TheSunFootball @TheSun
— Martin Lipton (@MartinLipton) April 20, 2021
While previewing Wednesday’s meeting with Aston Villa, Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola confirmed his opposition to the proposal for the Super League.
According to BBC Sport, it is understood that “Chelsea are preparing documentation to request withdrawing from the European Super League.”
There have been Blues fans protesting outside the ground over the last few hours ahead of their clash with Brighton and it now looks like Chelsea will take steps to remove itself from the proposed competition.
Reacting to the news of Chelsea’s withdrawal, Pat Nevin told BBC Radio Five Live: “I don’t think Chelsea were ever massively on board, and to be honest I didn’t really see a short-term benefit for them doing it.
“The sides have shown a semi-united wall so far but the minute one brick crumbles then the whole wall could fall. I’m not convinced by it at all.”
“I honestly think that the clubs weren’t prepared for anything. This sounds like an utter desperate panic from a number of clubs that have dived into something that seven days they weren’t interested in because they were talking to Uefa and now they’ve got this all-signing and all-dancing thing.”
Daily Telegraph journalist Jason Burt back up the BBC‘s report and added: “Told Roman Abramovich was never comfortable with the Super League idea.”
The moves comes after the 14 other Premier League clubs released a statement on Tuesday condemning the plans.
The statement read: “The Premier League, alongside The FA, met with clubs today to discuss the immediate implications of the Super League proposal.
“The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition.
“The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those Shareholders involved to account under its rules.
“The League will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, UEFA, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.
“The Premier League would like to thank fans and all stakeholders for the support they have shown this week on this significant issue.
“The reaction proves just how much our open pyramid and football community means to people.”
Reports in Spain suggested LaLiga giants Barcelona FC and Atletico Madrid had also informed organisers of their intention to leave the competition.
Early this evening Martin Lipton tweeted that Barcelona now look to have provided further update on the clubs intention to withdraw from the competition.
Man City, Chelsea, now Barcelona all out. Pull down the shutters, it's over #BallsToTheSuperLeague
— Martin Lipton (@MartinLipton) April 20, 2021
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
