Plans for European Super League announced despite UEFA threat

Twelve of Europe’s biggest football clubs on Monday announced their plans to launch a breakaway Super League, despite the threat of an international ban for them and their players.

“AC Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have come together as founding clubs,” said the official statement by the group.

The founding clubs will receive “a one-time payment of the order of 3.5 billion euros”.

“Three additional clubs will be invited to join them before the start of the inaugural season which will start as soon as possible,” added the organisers.

“In the future, the Founding Clubs look forward to consulting with UEFA and FIFA in order to work together,” the statement further said.

Also read: Top Premier League clubs face domestic backlash over Super League proposal

UEFA had earlier on Sunday threatened that players from the 12 clubs faced international exile and said that it is “a cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs”.

However, the 12 clubs insisted that the new competition will benefit the game in general.

“By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid,” said Joel Glazer, Co-Chairman of Manchester United and Vice-Chairman of the Super League, AFP reported.