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Boris Johnson calls European Super League 'a cartel'
Chelsea are preparing to withdraw from the Super League with Manchester City set to follow in a hammer blow to the plans for a new breakaway league. Owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to pull out of the new European league plans.
Chelsea are the first of England’s ‘big six’ clubs to choose to quit the competition, which was only announced on Sunday night. Abramovich’s motivations are thought never to have been about money, and the Blues are now understood to be preparing documents to withdraw formally from the competition.
Stamford Bridge chiefs were only thought to have signed up as a founder member of the Super League in order not to be left behind by the rogue breakaway.
But after resounding condemnation from across the political and sporting spectrum, Chelsea appear to have decided to pull out of the competition - less than 48 hours after it was announced.
Chelsea fans launched a mass protest outside of Stamford Bridge, with banners criticising the club for their decision to join the controversial Super League.
Scores of fans chanted, let off blue smoke bombs and marched around the west London ground, with police attempting to control the crowds.
Former Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech, now a technical advisor at the club, spoke to some supporters and could be heard saying “give everybody time” in a video posted on social media.
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For those keeping track...
In England:
Chelsea were first out of the gate after officials felt the move was a “toxic endeavour” that ran contrary to their social and community work.
Next up are Man City, who are following suit after the idea was rubbished by Pep Guardiola.
Still yet to hear any details from Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal or Liverpool.
Elsewhere:
So far the only clear defections look to be in Spain - with Atletico Madrid reportedly looking for a way out of the competition.
Barcelona have also said they would not take any further action without fan support.
It would be harder for the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus to pull the plug given their senior positions in the organisation (Florentino Perez, Joel Glazer and Andrea Agnelli are the ESL’s chairman and vice chairs) but that could not matter. According to one report the entire competition could be disbanded by all 12 teams tonight.
Bear in mind it has been fewer than 48 hours since the league was announced - and most of that time the move seemed full steam ahead as far as club owners were concerned.
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:43
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Man City to follow Chelsea in quitting Super League
Manchester City are set to withdraw from the European Super League.
Here’s the full story:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:37
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‘Deep damage - all for two days’
Here’s our Senior Football Correspondent Melissa Reddy:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:33
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Clubs could meet to disband ESL tonight - report
And just like that, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all pushing back in different ways, it looks like the ESL could be drawing to a hasty close.
All 12 clubs are expected to meet tonight to scrap plans for the elite league after days of condemnation and protest from both fans and players - according to sources cited by Talksport.
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:28
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And another two - Atletico Madrid reportedly looking to the exits as Barcelona push back
Falling like dominoes now - over the channel Atletico Madrid are reportedly looking to leave the ESL:
Meanwhile Barcelona have said they won’t move without fan support:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:21
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‘I worry these changes could impact the sport that I and millions of others love’ - Shaw
Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has come out with a lengthy post on the ESL - a carefully worded statement that appears to call out the way the new tournament could undermine the institutions that have made European football a global force.
He also hints at the pressure felt by individual players both to speak out and protect the interests of the club and team around them.
Here’s his comments:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:15
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Pulled back from the brink
That’s two english clubs rumoured to be stepping away so far after condemnation from fans, players and managers.
Here’s our own Miguel Delaney:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:14
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Could City follow suit?
With multiple reports saying Chelsea will withdraw from the league, news is starting to trickle through to suggest Man City may follow suit:
Pep Guardiola was strong in his condemnation of the format of the proposed competition earlier:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:12
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Chelsea set to withdraw from European Super League
Chelsea are set to withdraw from the planned European Super League following fan protests outside Stamford Bridge.
Alex Pattle has the story:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:07
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Petr Cech intervenes as Chelsea fans protest against Super League outside Stamford Bridge
Petr Cech was forced to intervene as thousands of Chelsea supporters protested against the planned European Super League outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Here’s the full story:
Vincent Wood20 April 2021 19:03