Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea join Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in issuing strong statement on European Super League after latest ruling

In the wake of a landmark victory in the European courts for the Super League propagators, United became the first Premier League club to unequivocally reject rejoining a new European Super League (ESL). The decision follows the announcement of new plans for a three-tier rebel format, made immediately after judges ruled that UEFA rules blocking the formation of such a competition were contrary to EU law. The same sentiment was echoed by Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico as well who put out their respective statements in rejecting the breakaway competition.

The club officially put out a statement which read: "Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game."

Whereas Bayern Munich CEO and Vice-Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), Jan-Christian Dreesen said: "We have taken note of the judgement of the European Court of Justice. However, this does not change FC Bayern's and the ECA's position that such a competition would be an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the structure of European football. The Bundesliga is the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues are the foundation of other European football clubs. It is therefore our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not to weaken them. We are also committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So let me make it very clear once again that the door for the Super League remains closed at FC Bayern.”

Later on Thursday, United's rivals City reiterated their stance against the breakaway tournament, writing in an official statement: "Manchester City Football Club confirmed in 2021 that it had formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League. Our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."

Tottenham's stance mirrored that of their Premier League counterparts, adding in a statement released shortly after City's: "Following today’s (Thursday, 21 December) ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding the European Super League (ESL), we should like to confirm that our position has not changed. We remain committed to the values of European football, and we will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."

Chelsea also sought to distance themselves from the ESL, writing in their own statement: "The judgment issued today by the European Court of Justice does not change Chelsea FC’s position. We firmly believe that, by working with the Premier League, The FA, other European clubs through our strong relationship with the ECA, and with UEFA and FIFA, we can, together, continue to develop the European game for the benefit of everyone."

Arsenal took a day to ponder over the revised ESL format but ultimately rejected it and cleared their stance through a statement that read: "Arsenal Football Club notes the judgement by the European Court of Justice on Thursday, 21 December 2023 and our position in relation to the European Super League has not changed. We will continue to play in UEFA competitions and continue to work with fellow European clubs and the European Club Association (ECA)."

A couple of hours later, Liverpool also followed suit and put out a statement communicating the same: "Yesterday’s ruling by the European Court of Justice does not change Liverpool FC’s previous stance on a proposed European Super League. Our involvement has been discontinued. We will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of PSG, who has been very vocal against the ESL "wholly and completely" also rejected the "so-called Super League."

"Paris Saint-Germain rejects wholly and completely any so-called Super League project, which has been the case since day one and will always remain the case," he said.

"As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European Sports Model, upholding values of open competition, inclusiveness, and working with all recognised stakeholders of European football – most importantly for the fans and players, who are the heartbeat of football."

The Premier League also made their opposition clear to the ESL and said: "The ruling does not endorse the so-called "European Super League" and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a "breakaway" competition that severs the link between domestic and European football. The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions."

According to The Telegraph, English club executives have dismissed the possibility of future English involvement in the ESL. The new Football Governance Bill is seen as a deterrent, with indications that Premier League teams engaging in such competitions may face expulsion.
“There’s no chance of Premier League teams joining unless they want to be thrown out of English football,” said a government source to The Telegraph.

Whereas, club officials added: "We are collectively committed to the Premier League and recognise our responsibility to support it. We will not engage in the creation of new competition formats outside of the Premier League’s rules.”

The ESL project, initially designed to rival UEFA's Champions League, faced a rapid unravelling due to backlash from fans, national governments, and domestic leagues two years ago. It seems that despite the positive ruling from the European court things will remain bleak in the near future for the ESL, which continues to be backed by Real Madrid and Barcelona.