“Either you’re in or you’re out” – Uefa and Fifa bosses respond to ESL proposals
Fifa boss Gianni Infantino “strongly disapproves” of the breakaway European Super League and says that the 12 clubs will have to live with “the consequences” of their decision to join.
The Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are part of the proposed league.
“There’s a lot to be thrown away in order to create perhaps short-term financial gain for some,” said Infantino.
“Either you’re in or you’re out.”
In the meantime, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with the Football Association, representatives of the Premier League and representatives of the fans on Tuesday, Afterward, the government said it would take “all necessary action,” including legislative options, to ensure the proposals stopped.
A statement released after a meeting between the Premier League and the 14 non-participating clubs said they were “unanimously and vigorously” in opposition to plans for the competition.
It added that “all available actions” will be considered to stop the competition and urged the six teams to end their involvement immediately.
The Football Supporters’ Association has met with the government and the Labor Party to discuss the ramifications of the breakaway league.
In other developments on Tuesday:
- Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin called on the English clubs to “come to their senses”.
- Everton criticized the “absurd arrogance” of the clubs involved
- Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said the new league was necessary to “save football”.
In the proposed tournament, the teams would play against each other in games during the week in order to score more games between big-name clubs.
The other clubs involved are AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid.
“It is our job to protect the European model of sport. If some choose their own path, they have to live with the consequences of their decisions,” said Infantino, president of the world football association.
“You are entirely responsible for your choice. This means you are either in or out. You cannot be half in and half out.”
What did managers and players say?
Manchester City Manager pep Guardiola said it was “awkward” to talk about the competition, which he only found out about on Sunday.
“It’s not a sport if success is guaranteed or if it doesn’t matter when you lose,” he said at a press conference.
“I’ve said many times that I want a successful Premier League, not just a team at the top.
“Sport is not sport if the relationship between effort and reward does not exist.”
The ESL would guarantee the founding teams a spot, which means there would be no relegation or uncertainty about big names qualifying for the competition.
Leicester City and former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes the competition shows that football prioritizes business over sport.
“We must never lose the fact that this is a sport and a game for fans and players. That must always be in the foreground in every decision,” he said.
“The six teams that are there can never forget that the Premier League brand is based on all teams.
“The roots of their success are due to the competition in the other teams: The lower team can beat the upper team.”
Fans, Uefa and the German Association react to the plan
There were protests outside of that Reasons of the Premier League clubs who have signed up for the league.
Leeds players also wore T-shirts that read “Earn it” next to the Champions League logo and “Football is for the fans” their 1-1 draw against Liverpool On Monday.
On Tuesday Uefa President Ceferin called on the English clubs to “come to their senses”.
Addressing the owners of the six Premier League clubs directly, he said: “Gentlemen, you have made a big mistake. It is time to change your mind.
“Come to your senses. Not out of love for football – I can’t imagine that you will get much out of it – but out of respect for the people who bleed for the team, out of respect for the homeland of football. I know that we are there are.” right and they are wrong. It’s a match we can’t lose. “
The President of the German Football Association (DFB) said the 12 clubs should be banned from all competitions.
No German club has joined the ESL.
“Football is open and for everyone. A closed Super League, on the other hand, is only for the super-rich and the super-reckless.” Fritz Keller said.
What did other Premier League clubs say?
Everton and Brighton issued statements on Tuesday criticizing their Premier League counterparts for joining.
in the a long statement The Everton Board said the six clubs “tarnished the reputation of our league and the game”, accused them of “disrespect” to other Premier League clubs and said they “take for granted and even betray the majority of football fans in our country and beyond”.
The statement added: “This absurd arrogance is nowhere desired in football outside of the clubs that devised this plan.
“On behalf of all those associated with Everton, we respectfully request that the proposals be withdrawn immediately and that the private meetings and subversive practices that have brought our fine game to what may be its lowest position in terms of trust end now.”
Alan Shearer says the proposed European Super League is “simply wrong”.
Real Madrid President Perez said the new league was necessary to “save football” and make up for the losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Everton has accused the six Premier League clubs of acting “entirely in their own interests”.
They added: “At this time of national and international crisis – and a crucial time for our game – clubs should work together with the ideals of our game and its supporters.
“Instead, these clubs have secretly conspired to break away from a football pyramid that has served them so well.
“The self-proclaimed Super Six seem intent on disenfranchising fans throughout the game – including their own – by jeopardizing the very structure that underpins the game we love.”
Brighton said the breakaway league showed “a clear lack of respect” for other teams, adding that it would “destroy the dreams of clubs at all levels”.
The statement said: “These plans are the latest in an alarming and growing list of secret attempts by a small group of clubs whose actions would wipe out nearly 150 years of football tradition.”
Burnley have urged the government to put in place an independent regulator to protect English football through legislation.
West Ham, The proposals, seeking a place in the Champions League for next season, said the proposals “are totally contrary to the ethos and values” of the club and are an “assault on athletic integrity”.
Fifa said in January that players involved in a breakaway league would do so excluded from international competitions.
Agent Jonathan Barnett, who represents Wales and Tottenham striker Gareth Bale, said he would go to court if such a ban were put in place.
“The only people who will really suffer from business are gamers,” Barnett told Radio 4’s Today program.
“I spoke to Fifpro [the players’ union] and I assure you we will go to court to fight players’ rights. “
The most important developments so far
- A dozen clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – agree to form a new midweek competition
- 20 clubs will be represented in the European Super League in all and run alongside domestic leagues such as the Premier League
- Founding clubs are lured with one Share of a EUR 3.5 billion (GBP 3 billion) grant from investment bank JP Morgan
- The UK government says it is prepared “put everything on the table to prevent this”
- France’s President Uefa, the Premier League, the main European leagues, player unions and former players have strongly criticized the move
- Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp says he does not agree with the move and that the club’s players have not been consulted
- A YouGov poll of 1,730 soccer fans found that 79% were opposed to the idea of a Super League
- The 14 Premier League clubs that are not involved in the ESL change will meet on Tuesday
- Fans ventilate frustrations on social media and some visit grounds to raise banners in protest
