- Several top clubs across Europe have condemned the new Super League plans
- Atletico Madrid says it is 'for the protection of the European football family'
- IAN LADYMAN: Mikel Arteta is criticized for his touchline behavior but Arsenal are a team that smacks of excellent coaching – It all starts
Manchester United have turned their backs on a revised European Super League by pledging allegiance to UEFA and the Premier League.
United was one of the 12 founding members of the failed ESL that declared bankruptcy in 2021, and the club's American owners later apologized to fans for their involvement in the breakaway league.
The supporters of the Super League, A22, submitted new proposals on Thursday in the wake of a ruling by the European Court of Justice that FIFA and UEFA acted unlawfully by banning clubs from joining.
The new plan includes 64 men's teams, spread over three competitions, and 32 women's teams in two competitions. Contrary to the original proposals, there would be promotion and relegation.
However, United issued a statement on Thursday afternoon in which the club supported the existing system overseen by UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA) and the Premier League.
Manchester United have turned their backs on Thursday's revised European Super League plan
Fans came out in full force to protest the announcement of the 'closed' league in April 2021
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The new plan for the European Super League was unveiled by A22 CEO Bernd Reichart (above)
It said: 'Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participating in UEFA competitions and to working positively with UEFA, the Premier League and fellow clubs through the ECA in the further development of the European game.”
Following Manchester United's lead, several other top clubs across Europe have written statements rejecting the Super League concept.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich condemned the proposal, labeling it an 'attack' on the current structure of football.
Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: 'It is very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
“Such a competition would be an attack on the importance of domestic competitions and the statistics of European football.”
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen called it an 'attack' on the current structure of football
Barcelona and Real Madrid were two of the biggest supporters of the European Super League
Atletico Madrid also released a statement criticizing the plans, while taking a swipe at LaLiga rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, who were the two biggest supporters of the European Super League during its initial launch.
Their statement read: 'The European football family does not want the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. do not want the Super League'.
“We are in favor of protecting the European football family, safeguarding domestic competitions and ensuring that qualification for European competitions is achieved every season through performance on the pitch.”