Super League LIVE: European clubs' breakaway plans, fan protests, what happens next & all the details

UEFA has given the green light for a 36-team Champions League reform which will include a single league format to replace the group stage. European football's main governing body announced a number of changes to the competition on Monday amid reports of a rival Super League formation which could see 12 of the biggest clubs on the continent breakaway. The changes are slated to come into effect in 2024, with fixtures set to be played on Thursdays instead of Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and a play-off round added to the first stage. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/uefa-confirms-36-team-champions-league-reform-with-single-league-/1p9rixdqxxetm1qdoi6151k907" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

UEFA confirms 36-team Champions League 🏆

Tottenham have confirmed that Jose Mourinho has been relieved of his duties. 💔 The news comes just days before Spurs are due to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/mourinho-sacked-by-spurs-ahead-of-carabao-cup-final-as/fqg4l48p4raq1bxkwfv0i141u" target="_blank">Read the full story here!</a> <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🚨 OFFICIAL: Jose Mourinho has been sacked as manager of Tottenham Hotspur ❌ <a href="https://t.co/JZTM0CBnVs">pic.twitter.com/JZTM0CBnVs</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1384082945430806529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Spurs sack Mourinho ❌

⚽️ 20 clubs - 15 founding clubs and five annual qualifiers. ⚽️ Games start in August. ⚽️ Two groups of 10 clubs, playing home and away fixtures. ⚽️ Eight clubs qualify for knockout stage - home and away games until championship decider ⚽️ Games played mid-week, clubs remain part of domestic leagues. ⚽️ Oh, and of course, plenty of money - billions! 💰 <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Confused? You're not alone. The European Super League explained 👇 <a href="https://t.co/g6lMeugHL0">pic.twitter.com/g6lMeugHL0</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1384093775190917130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

What will the Super League format be? 📝

Essentially, the biggest clubs in Europe have banded together to challenge UEFA and effectively replace the Champions League as we know it. A statement released late on Sunday explained that the desire of the founding club was "to deliver the best outcomes for the new League and for football as a whole. It added: "The formation of the Super League comes at a time when the global pandemic has accelerated the instability in the existing European football economic model. Further, for a number of years, the Founding Clubs have had the objective of improving the quality and intensity of existing European competitions throughout each season, and of creating a format for top clubs and players to compete on a regular basis. "The pandemic has shown that a strategic vision and a sustainable commercial approach are required to enhance value and support for the benefit of the entire European football pyramid. In recent months extensive dialogue has taken place with football stakeholders regarding the future format of European competitions. The Founding Clubs believe the solutions proposed following these talks do not solve fundamental issues, including the need to provide higher-quality matches and additional financial resources for the overall football pyramid." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/which-clubs-super-league-confirmed-list-rumoured-members/3d2p7rvgb4891fvw79q8czll1" target="_blank">So, which clubs are involved?</a> Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter and&nbsp;Juventus. Among the high-profile teams to reject the plans are Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

What's the deal with the Super League? 🤔

Well, this has truly been one of the most monumental, emotional days for football in quite some time. That's no exaggeration.&nbsp; We saw clubs around Europe rail against the powerful few, as well as threats of bans for players and teams in certain competitions as a consequence for participating in the proposed Super League. Even some people working for breakaway organisations - particularly at Liverpool - were critical in their reactions. The rest of the week should bring more drama, so continue to follow along with Goal's coverage of the Super League saga. For now, though, we bid you farewell.

That's all for tonight

Goal's Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones has written about the emotions surrounding the Reds amid their support for a breakaway Super League, explaining the emotional toll it will inflict on loyal fans. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/kop-out-liverpool-fans-may-never-forgive-their-club-for/wavam85yknno10q24fs8n56ow" target="_blank">Read the full story here.</a>

'Liverpool fans may never forgive their club'

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Statement from Sky re Super League <a href="https://t.co/AzHUmMkwh7">pic.twitter.com/AzHUmMkwh7</a> — Paul Kelso (@pkelso) <a href="https://twitter.com/pkelso/status/1384256166532767750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Sky Sports issues statement backing football pyramid

After his side's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/56581791" target="_blank">BBC&nbsp;Sport</a> that the Super League development "shouldn't surprise" anyone as "in all walks of life the powerful look after their own and don't worry about the rest of us". "The big teams are also created due to the opposition of the other teams," Bielsa said.&nbsp;"In the search for higher economic earnings they forget about the rest. The powerful are more rich and the weak are poorer. It doesn't do good to football in general. "There are a lot of structures that should have prevented these forces from coming. For me sincerely I am not surprised because in all walks of life same thing happens, so why wouldn't it happen in football."

Bielsa: Super League 'shouldn't surprise us'

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> James Milner to Sky re: European Super League "I can only say my own opinion; I don't like it and I hope it doesn't happen, for the same reasons as everyone else."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> — Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1384252828173029377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Milner hits out at Super League plans

Leeds forward Patrick Bamford has had his say on the Super League proposal, and told Sky Sports he is in shock about it and feels football needs to stand up and stop the breakaway. “It’s something we talk about, but on the pitch you are not thinking outside the ground,” he said. “But we are like fans really and everyone else can't believe it and we are in shock. “From me personally, I have not seen one football fan who is happy.&nbsp; “Football is for the fans. Without the fans, we would be nothing so it is important we stand our ground and try and keep it that way.”

Bamford in shock about Super League

We’d almost forgotten about Jose Mourinho. But he’s still the first manager of one of the 12 Super League clubs to lose his job. Dressing-room unrest and a failure to impress on the field were behind his departure, according to <a href="https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/epl-2021-news-jose-mourinho-sacked-as-tottenham-hotspur-manager-reaction-why-was-he-sacked-dressing-room-rift/news-story/4de250a83a454d923c9c6ac48d5a06eb" target="_blank">Fox Sports</a>.

Dour football and player unrest cost Jose

The Super League battle at Elland Road between Leeds and Liverpool ended in a 1-1 draw. Not sure whether anything can be read into that regards the bigger picture, but the view on social media is that fans of any team other than Liverpool were rejoicing when Diego Llorente headed home with a couple of minutes left to cancel out Sadio Mane’s goal. In terms of the Champions League qualification picture - which could well be moot - the failure to pick up three points means Liverpool remain in sixth. If the Reds have their way, qualifying will be a thing of the past.

Battle of Elland Road ends all square

Jurgen Klopp was as diplomatic as he could be when discussing the proposed Super League. With his Liverpool paymasters one of the 12 breakaway clubs, Klopp is a key figure having spoken so forcefully against it in 2019. Tellingly, the German said his opinion had not changed and he likes the idea that teams such as West Ham have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League. Gary Neville was in the Sky Sports studio watching Klopp’s comments, and the former Manchester United man felt the German had made his point clear. “He’s destroyed his owners on national television, he’s gone against his owners, he’s told us what he thinks,” Neville <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/klopp-super-league-liverpool-neville-b1834057.html" target="_blank">said</a>.

'He’s destroyed his owners on national television'

Dani Alves has had his say on the proposed Super League. One of the game’s greatest full-backs, Alves says the people at the top should not be allowed to stop the minnows from dreaming big. "Football was, is &amp; always will be a sport that transforms lives,” Alves wrote on <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniAlvesD2/status/1384235391213981713" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. “We should not allow the people at the top to spoil these possibilities of the small ones dreaming big!” Alves spent the big chunk of his career at Barcelona. Given the Liga giants are one of the 12 breakaway clubs, it would be interesting to know if he’d have tweeted the same had he still been on the books at Camp Nou.&nbsp;🤷‍♂️&nbsp;

Dani Alves questions breakaway plans

Ajax are one of the most storied clubs in European football, but the four-time European Cup winners were not included in the proposed breakaway Super League. The Dutch side are key figures in the European Club Association, and they have expressed disappointment with the 12 breakaway teams. "Ajax is completely taken aback and disappointed by the announcement of a possible Super League,” Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar <a href="https://english.ajax.nl/articles/ajax-s-reaction-to-super-league-and-new-champions-league-format/" target="_blank">said</a>. “We support the new set-up proposed by UEFA, as confirmed on Monday. “We thought we had found the solution with the so-called Swiss model, with more international competitions for more clubs. "We are very disappointed in the sudden and late turnaround that fellow directors of some top international clubs have made this weekend, with the result that a very uncertain period threatens the horizon of European football."

Ajax criticise Super League plan and back new UEFA proposal

Leeds spent plenty of the lead-up to their game with Liverpool making their feelings known on the proposed Super League. Fans outside Elland Road met the Liverpool team bus with boos and banners, while a plane flew overhead calling for the Super League to be stopped. The Leeds players wore ‘earn it’ t shirts in the warm-up, and on kick off the Whites’ admin got on in the act by tweeting “We're underway against the Merseyside Reds at Elland Road!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 👏 We're underway against the Merseyside Reds at Elland Road! — Leeds United (@LUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1384220260694315011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Leeds v Merseyside Reds

The European Club Association held a meeting on Monday to discuss the way forward in light of the Super League proposals. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Following an ECA Executive Board Meeting today we have released the following statement 👇 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ECA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ECA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROdKFm6CEn">pic.twitter.com/ROdKFm6CEn</a> — ECA (@ECAEurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECAEurope/status/1384223259592331274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ECA statement update

Liverpool supporters’ groups, including Spirit of Shankly have confirmed their intention to remove all banners from the Kop and have called for the season to be concluded early on account of the Reds’ decision to sign up to a European Super League. The statement <a href="https://spiritofshankly.com/european-super-league-a-statement/" target="_blank">read</a>: “What is the point in continuing with this season? The breakaway’s chosen clubs don’t need to push to qualify for an elite competition. They’re straight through to a closed shop, a private members club for the rich “There will be no further supporter engagement or consultation. The flags and banners used to market LFC to new support are being removed from the Kop.”

Liverpool fans groups call for end to season

A meeting of Serie A’s clubs took place on Monday evening to discuss the proposed breakaway Super League. AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are among the 12 teams to have signed up. UEFA have threatened to expel any teams that break away from domestic and European competition, but according to <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1384202123433320452" target="_blank">Fabrizio Romano</a> they are intending to compete in all tournaments.

AC Milan, Inter and Juve intend to stay in Serie A

Atalanta’s Germany international Robin Gosens has taken aim at Arsenal and Tottenham. The north London clubs are getting stick left, right and centre over their inclusion in the proposed Super League. To be fair, it’s warranted given their performances this season. Gosens has them in his sights and feels it would strip football of its foundations. "If there is now a Super League in which Arsenal or Tottenham qualify forever with no athletic performance, then football will be stripped of its foundation,” he told <a href="https://www.kicker.de/gosens-ich-wuerde-mich-an-solchen-protesten-beteiligen-802653/artikel" target="_blank">Kicker</a>. “Everyone must be aware that football will change forever and never be the same again.” As well as ripping football of its competitive structure, Gosens feels the amount of money being talked about is obscene. “People are still dying around the world, there is a lack of money up and down," he said. “These 12 clubs are founding their own league and are getting 100 or 150 million in return You have to question that ethically.”

Gosens takes aim at Spurs and Arsenal

Jurgen Klopp says that his feelings on the Super League have not changed as the Liverpool boss called back to his prior comments criticising the idea of a breakaway competition. In 2019, when asked about a potential Super League, Klopp&nbsp;said he was categorically opposed,&nbsp;adding that he hoped that the day would never come when the new competition would be created. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/my-opinion-didnt-change-liverpool-boss-klopp-reiterates/1gjaf5kixdd9613wy16ug4v4wi" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal</a>

'My opinion didn't change' - Klopp

Former Man City defender Micah Richards has hit out at the Super League plans on BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm an ambassador at Manchester City," Richards said. "The first word that came to me was disgrace. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours, information was seeping through every hour and I found it disheartening. "From where Manchester City have come from, from Division Two and Paul Dickov's goal [to win promotion in 1999] all the way to the Premier League and they earned that the right way through hard work, great support and not doing things the easy way and went all the way to winning the Premier League. "Now, having the audacity to believe they should be better than everyone else - I was flabbergasted. We do not have all the information from Manchester City but the overriding feeling is just massive disappointment."

'The first word was disgrace'

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Leeds United's players are wearing these 'earn it' shirts in the warm up before their match with Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool players won't wear the shirts as 'the players are not involved'. <a href="https://t.co/1PiGtEvyGp">pic.twitter.com/1PiGtEvyGp</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1384211949160845315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

'Earn it'

Former Man Utd defender Gary Neville has launched a scathing attack on Red Devils ownership, who took the club into the Super League. “I thought it was a criminal act,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “I was half hoping they would, off the backlash, they would rethink it. I saw the statement and it had Joel Glazer’s statement to it, and I thought, ‘this is a problem’. "He’s intelligent, he knows what he wants. I thought this is serious. He’s not backing down. He’ll try force this through. They’ve been through hell at Manchester United. They don’t care. When I saw his name I was really worried. “I’ve stayed quiet as it’s still Manchester United, I can still watch them play, I can still be happy and sad. If they take dividends out I can live with this. They are scavengers, they need booting out of this football club and out of this country."

Neville wants Man Utd 'scavengers' booted out

Jurgen Klopp has had his say and although he’s not quite as strong as he was in 2019, he says he does not support a Super League. “My opinion did not change,” he told Sky Sports. “I heard first time about it yesterday. “So far we have got some information, not a lot. Most of you can read in newspapers. “It is a tough one. People are not happy with it. I cannot say a lot more as we are not involved in any processes. “We will have to wait and see how they develop. “The Champions League was there since ‘93. My aim was always to coach a team there.&nbsp; “I have no issues with the Champions League. I like the fact West Ham have the chance to play Champions League.”

Klopp opinion unchanged on Super League

It’s not quite the heady days of “Wenger Out” banners flying over north London, but someone has decided to charter a plane and fly a “Say No To Super League” over Elland Road. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayNoToSuperLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SayNoToSuperLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/9u2vjUVHG8">pic.twitter.com/9u2vjUVHG8</a> — LUFC Trust (@lufctrust) <a href="https://twitter.com/lufctrust/status/1384202548043649025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Taking to the skies to stop the Super League

The Duke of Cambridge has had his say on the Super League proposals, and is concerned by developments. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Now, more than ever, we must protect the entire football community – from the top level to the grassroots – and the values of competition and fairness at its core. I share the concerns of fans about the proposed Super League and the damage it risks causing to the game we love. W — The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1384194971322839048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Duke of Cambridge concerned by proposals

Leeds United made their feelings known on the Super League proposals, and Whites fans were also in an angry mood outside Elland Road. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEELIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEELIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/uMY8U1oSpn">pic.twitter.com/uMY8U1oSpn</a> — Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1384198302128697356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Leeds fans take aim at Liverpool

Ed Woodward was reportedly in damage-limitation mode at Manchester United, but the players were “seriously unimpressed” by his briefing. Woodward held a call with the playing staff to set out the club’s position, but the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9488055/Angry-Manchester-United-players-hold-emergency-briefing-Ed-Woodward-Super-League-plans.html" target="_blank">Mail</a> claims the briefing did not go down well. “Some of the players were seriously unimpressed,’ a Mail source said. “Not only that they were left to find out by the media about what had happened but that their manager was left to face the press when the owners had concocted this.&nbsp; “Woodward attempted to appease them but the response was lukewarm at best. It hasn’t gone down well with many of them.

United players 'unimpressed' by Woodward briefing

Paris Saint-Germain have invested millions in order to try and win the Champions League. All it could have taken was their European rivals to suggest forming a breakaway league. The proposed Super League has split the football world, and Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid could be kicked out of this season's Champions League this week, according to the Danish FA chairman Jesper Moller. PSG are the other side in the semi-finals, so if the other three are booted out it would see the French side crowned champions.&nbsp; Guess it’s one way of offsetting any prospect of Neymar picking up an injury on the eve of the big game. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/super-league-clubs-will-be-thrown-out-of-champions-league-claims-/42sspulbn2h1eltie2tubmhz" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal!</a>

Super League clubs to be booted out of UCL?

Liverpool are the first side from the proposed Super League to be in action following the announcement on Sunday evening. They travel to Elland Road to face Leeds on Monday, and will be greeted by a message from the Whites. A banner in the Revie Stand at Elland Road read: “Earn it on the pitch. Football is for the fans.” The highlight of the night for many won’t be the game, it will be hearing the views of Jurgen Klopp. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Huge banner in the Revie Stand at Elland Road. ‘Earn it on the pitch. Football is for the fans.’ Couldn’t have put it better. <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCWYS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCWYS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgainstEuropeanSuperLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgainstEuropeanSuperLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/yADONmXKwq">pic.twitter.com/yADONmXKwq</a> — Jonathan Buchan (@jonathanbuchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonathanbuchan/status/1384171517487972355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Leeds send 'earn it on the pitch' message to Reds

The drivers behind the Super League proposal have not set about it by writing their plans on the back of a cigarette packet and hoping for the best. Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli is one of the main men pressing for its introduction and he has shared some of his research. The key snippets are: Fans globally follow more than one club Fans follow players not clubs Fans follow football because of the fear of missing out <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “Two-thirds of fans follow football more for a modern fear of missing out.” Andrea Agnelli’s research suggests “FOMO” was a factor behind the Super League formation. Thoughts? <a href="https://t.co/8XrRPeWufr">pic.twitter.com/8XrRPeWufr</a> — Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) <a href="https://twitter.com/adriandelmonte/status/1384182740392693761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

FOMO the driving factor?

Sky Sports News caught up with Jose Mourino at his London home following his sacking as Spurs manager. In true Gary Cotterill style, there was a bit of Brent about the exchange with Mourinho. The Portuguese suggested he is not looking to step away from the game. “No need for breaks,” he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX2JYNDhi5o" target="_blank">said</a>. “I am always in football.”

I am always in football - Mourinho

Players and their PR teams can sometimes be accused of toeing the party line. Bayern Munich have voiced their disapproval of the Super League proposal, and their right back Benjamin Pavard has followed suit. But you get the impression on this occasion, Pavard is speaking his own mind with what he tweeted. “It's not just a patch on a sleeve,” he <a href="https://twitter.com/BenPavard28/status/1384177742095151104" target="_blank">wrote</a>. “These are indescribable emotions as a player, incredible memories as a fan.&nbsp; “It is a competition that all players and all clubs should be able to aspire to if they deserve it.”

'It's not just a patch on a sleeve'

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has not pulled any punches with regard to the proposed Super League. Solbakken says Juventus, Arsenal and Tottenham are not even deserving of seats at the top table, so for them to be guaranteed a spot for life makes no sense. "Andrea Agnelli (Juventus president) has been one of the driving forces in recent years," Solbakken told <a href="https://www.vg.no/sport/fotball/i/JJe7dj/uefa-president-truer-gigantene-refser-fotballtopper" target="_blank">VG</a>. "In recent years, they have been knocked out by Lyon, Porto and Ajax in the Champions League. "Why the f**k should they be in such a tournament then? Tottenham and Arsenal are currently probably not among the 20-30 best teams in Europe."

'Why the f**k should they be in such a tournament?'

Support for the proposed Super League is thin on the ground.&nbsp; But a voice from South America has chimed in, saying it is something the continent’s teams should consider. Athletico Paranaense president Mario Celso Petraglia is the man in question. “The establishment needs to be challenged,” Petraglia told <a href="https://www.umdoisesportes.com.br/athletico/petraglia-torce-pela-superliga-europeia-e-ve-exemplo-para-a-america-do-sul/" target="_blank">UmDois Esportes</a>. “FIFA's power and dominance structure protecting only its interests is exhausted.&nbsp; “The crisis has only hit clubs and not its representative institutions.&nbsp; “Fortunately, the independence movement arises on the European continent, we need and we hope that America will follow suit and have the same determination.”

Support from South America

Ada Hegerberg is a superstar in the women’s game, and the Norwegian has added her voice to those opposed to the proposed Super League. The Lyon forward has won the Champions League on five occasions and says it is the ultimate competition for players to take part in, and has described the plans as greed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I grew up loving the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a>. Then I got to play in the <a href="https://twitter.com/UWCL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UWCL</a>. Then I got to win 5 of them and become the all-time leading goalscorer. It's legacy. It's the past, present, and future, so is meritocracy in sports. Greed is not the future. <a href="https://t.co/8cLlCbMnQd">pic.twitter.com/8cLlCbMnQd</a> — Ada S Hegerberg (@AdaStolsmo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdaStolsmo/status/1384126750909599744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

'Greed is not the future'

Bayern Munich have joined their fellow Bundesliga sides in denouncing the proposed Super League. The Champions League holders did not feature among the 12 sides who have proposed a breakaway league. The likes of Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig issued statements opposing the plan, and Bayern have now followed suit. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of FC Bayern <a href="https://fcbayern.com/de/news/2021/04/europaeische-super-league---stellungnahme-karl-heinz-rummenigge" target="_blank">said</a>: “FC Bayern did not participate in the planning of a Super League. "We are convinced that the current structures in football guarantee a serious footing.&nbsp; "FC Bayern welcomes the reforms of the Champions League because we believe that they are the right step for the development of European football.&nbsp; "The modified preliminary round will contribute to more tension and emotionality in the competition. "

Bayern opposed to Super League project

Harry Kane appeared to actually quite enjoy playing under Jose Mourinho. To be fair, Kane must be a manager’s dream as he is a superb striker&nbsp;and has a desire to take his game forward. The striker took to Instagram to wish his former manager well in his future endeavours. “Thank you for everything Boss,” Kane <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN2RtTEpkKa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">wrote</a>. “A pleasure to have worked together. I wish you all the best for your next chapter.”

'Thank you for everything Boss'

"The Super League news - seismic and irreversible, no matter the outcome in the bitter war to follow – has coloured every piece of breaking news, transfer gossip, and match preview, and yet the circus rolls on. "And so, for now, let us put to one side the Super League and think on Mourinho’s sacking as we would have done 24 hours ago. "From this perspective, it is a story of a manager who, too convinced of his own genius, became trapped in the past and of a chairman who was one of the few people in football unable to see it." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/mourinho-convinced-own-genius-now-man-out-of-time/1sf1abnwm1oqt115e7lfe0h2ar" target="_blank">Read Alex Keble's assessment here.</a>

Mourinho a man out of time

Former Leicester City and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has revealed his disgust at the Super League plans - and says that it took away any pride he felt in being British. "I don’t know about you, but I spent time watching Prince Philip’s funeral on the weekend and for the first time in a long time I was really proud of being British," Holloway said on talkSPORT.&nbsp;"This morning, that’s just gone away. "That man was so selfless in his life and I wanted us to come out of his pandemic caring about other people more than ourselves, but the opposite is happening. "I am totally outraged and absolutely disgusted in how selfish some people can be. "The game belongs to supporters, not them and I have never seen anything like it. I’ve written down some things saying ‘who is actually in charge?’ That’s the worrying thing for me."

Holloway's royal pride taken away

The English Football League (EFL) has joined the Premier League, UEFA, the Football Assocation in condemning the Super League. A statement released by the league said: "The EFL stands with the Premier League, The FA, PFA, LMA, the FSA and colleagues across European professional football in condemnation of proposals which attack the foundation of open and fair competition upon which our game is built. "A strong pyramid based on promotion, relegation and ultimately European qualification, is fundamental to our game’s continued success. "The EFL opposes any reform that doesn’t support competition integrity or offer Clubs the prospect of one day competing at the highest end of the game."

EFL opposes Super League

Chelsea supporters will protest the club's decision to become a founding member of a new European Super League. The decision to create a Super League has been derided by UEFA, the Premier League, and even the UK Government, who will aim to put barriers in the way of Chelsea, who have also resigned from the European Clubs' Association, and the 11 other teams from starting a new competition. The situation has left Chelsea supporters alienated from their club and they will stage a socially distanced protest at Stamford Bridge against the board while removing the fan-made banners inside the stadium ahead of kick-off against Brighton on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/chelsea-fans-express-anger-at-super-league-proposal-and-plan/13z9tk1h4gmaf1j3ud4rqrdme6" target="_blank">Read the full story!</a>

Chelsea fans plan Super League protest

The CEO of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, Duncan Drasdo says that Red Devils fans are not behind the Super League move. "I have not heard a single supporter in favour of this, United fans or fans from any other club," Drasdo told Sky Sports on Monday. "It's a universal feeling of betrayal and disgust, using our clubs and their history purely to enrich a number of individuals."

'Not a single Man Utd fan in favour of this'

Arsenal players have been holding talks with the club’s hierarchy about the controversial plans for the new European Super League. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he was unaware of the plan when quizzed about it following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, while players - who have been threatened with being banned from playing for their national teams - are also understood to have been left in the dark up to now. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/arsenal-stars-hold-training-ground-talks-over-super-league/ls36w19mjq4v1fzvo28o2g2i3" target="_blank">Read the full story!</a>

Training ground talks for Arsenal players over Super League

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SHAME ON YOU FSG <a href="https://t.co/O7CFY2BrPF">pic.twitter.com/O7CFY2BrPF</a>— Spion Kop 1906 (@SpionKop1906) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpionKop1906/status/1384111354219417615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Protest banners hung outside Anfield

UK prime minister Boris Johnson has said that the British government will work with football authorities to deal with the controversial Super League project. He told Sky Sports: "We're going to look at everything we can do with the football authorities to make sure this doesn't go ahead in the way that it's currently being proposed. "I don't think it's good news for fans, I don't think it's good news for football in this country. "These clubs aren't just great global brands. They're also clubs that have originated historically from their towns, their cities, their local communities. "They should have a link with those fans in those communities. It's very important that that continues to be the case. "I don't like the look of these proposals and we'll be consulting about what we can do."

Super League 'not good news for football in this country'

Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has weighed in with his opinion on the Super League situation. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Football will be in the near future on a brink of complete collapse. Nobody is thinking about the bigger picture, only the financial side. I still believe we can solve this unpleasant situation. — Dejan Lovren (@Dejan06Lovren) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dejan06Lovren/status/1384049609861832706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

'Nobody is thinking about the bigger picture'

Luis Figo has added his voice to the growing number of current and former footballers who are speaking out against the Super League. "This so called 'Superleague' is anything but 'Super'," the former Portugal and Real Madrid star wrote on Twitter on Monday. "This greedy and callous move would spell disaster for our grassroots, for women’s football, and the wider football community only to serve self-interested owners, who stopped caring about their fans long ago, and complete disregard for sporting merit. Tragic."

Figo: Super League is anything but 'super'

Legendary Arsenal&nbsp;goalkeeper David Seaman is upset by the news that the Gunners are among the founding members of the Super League. "For me, the history of the Football League, not just the Premier League but all the leagues, is now at risk of falling by the wayside," Seaman told Sky Sports.&nbsp; "For me, it doesn't sit right. I think it's a disgrace, if I'm honest. I think they&nbsp;are just dipping their toes in the water to feel the reaction and I think the reaction they've got is 100 times worse than what they thought they were going to get. "It's a sad day for football and, for me, it's a sad day for Arsenal."

'A sad day for football and a sad day for Arsenal'

Chelsea are one of six Premier League clubs to have committed to the new Super League proposals, but Thomas Tuchel trusts they will make the "right decisions" when it comes to future planning. Confirmation that blueprints are being drawn up for a breakaway competition involving Europe's top clubs has come as no surprise, given how long such a shift has been mooted, but movement in that department has been&nbsp;met by widespread condemnation. Chelsea are among those to have felt the full force of that backlash, with their own supporters speaking out against decisions being made at board level, and it remains to be seen whether competitive action will ever take place. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/tuchel-trusts-chelsea-to-make-right-decisions-on-super/ikyye07yzktk18v97i6180zwq" target="_blank">Read the full story here!</a>

Tuchel trusts Chelsea to make 'right decisions' on Super League

More damning words from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, with Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli the main target of criticism. "I have never seen a person lie so many times and as persistently as he did. I spoke with him on Saturday afternoon and he said it is all lies," Ceferin said, per the Times. "We didn't know we had snakes so close to us, now we know." 🐍

'We didn't know we had snakes so close to us'

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In solidarity with Liverpool and The Kop we will be requesting that all banners from The Shed End are taken down <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperGreed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperGreed</a> <a href="https://t.co/SzJo15mJMd">https://t.co/SzJo15mJMd</a>— WE ARE THE SHED (@WeAre_TheShed) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAre_TheShed/status/1384113348996784132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Chelsea fan group joins Liverpool fan protest

Very strong words from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin regarding the Super League project. Ceferin says the clubs involved have "spat in the face of football" and has vowed to take measures against those who may partake. "I cannot stress more strongly how everyone is united against this disgraceful, self-serving proposals, fuelled by greed above all else," said the European governing body's chief.&nbsp; "We are all united against this nonsense of a project. Cynical plan, completely against what football should be. We cannot and will not allow that to change. "Players who will play in the teams that might play in the closed league will be banned from the World Cup and Euros. "We urge everyone to stand tall with us as we do everything in our power to ensure this never ends up in fruition." <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin says the 12 clubs involved in the Super League have "spat in the face of football." 🗣 “The players that play in the Super League will be banned from playing in the World Cup and Euros. "We will take all the sanctions that we can." <a href="https://t.co/IPdrskbtkc">pic.twitter.com/IPdrskbtkc</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1384129543607230469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

'They have spat in the face of football' - UEFA chief

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that they will not be one of the clubs joining the proposed Super League. Plans for the formation of a new European competition were unveiled on Sunday, with 12 founding clubs having already signed up for the competition which has been designed to rival the current Champions League. It has been reported that three more clubs will soon be added to the founders list, with a further five teams set to be granted entry if they meet certain qualification requirements - but Dortmund have distanced themselves from the project. Read the full story on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/borussia-dortmund-not-join-super-league/oym27fiw64l31whaot563y1cp" target="_blank">Goal</a>.

Dortmund will not join Super League

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/Xs7R6nxoW4">https://t.co/Xs7R6nxoW4</a> — Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) <a href="https://twitter.com/richarlison97/status/1384116202570616851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Everton's Richarlison endorses Neville's Super League criticism

Porto have confirmed that they rejected the chance to join the Super League. A statement from club president Pinto da Costa reads: "As part of UEFA, we cannot participate in anything that is against the principles and rules of the European Union and UEFA. "If that goes forward, something that I have a lot of doubts about, UEFA will not end and it is certain that they will continue to have evidence. It must be recognized that the events organized by UEFA are the official events.&nbsp; "We are not concerned with being or not, we are in the Champions League and we hope to continue to be for many years."

Porto reject Super League invite

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger considers the&nbsp;Super League proposal of 12 leading sides in European football&nbsp;to be a "bad idea" and says it "will not go far" as it threatens the "unity" of the game. Elite teams from across the continent have stated that they intend to introduce a new competition to the calendar that allows them to battle among themselves, with plans being put in place for a big launch party in 2021-22. Arsenal are among those to have signed up, as part of the Premier League's 'Big Six', with three sides from Italy and as many from Spain also getting involved in a project that Wenger - who now fills a role at FIFA - cannot see getting off the ground. Read the full story on <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/this-idea-will-not-go-far-ex-arsenal-boss-wenger-casts-doubt/1xlqvykwiqw491q2xyf8g9q3qn" target="_blank">Goal</a>.

'This idea will not go far' - Wenger casts doubt over Super League

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Stephan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Schippers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Schippers</a> and Max <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eberl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eberl</a> have made a joint statement regarding the European Super League 🗣️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DieFohlen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DieFohlen</a> <a href="https://t.co/HYNEtcQ7u9">pic.twitter.com/HYNEtcQ7u9</a> — Gladbach (@borussia_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/borussia_en/status/1384118580300566533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Gladbach: Super League is a club for the super rich!

FIFPro,&nbsp;the global organisation that represents over 60,000 professional footballers, has condemned the Super League plans that have been drawn up to rival the Champions League. An <a href="https://fifpro.org/en/industry/european-super-league-announcement" target="_blank">official statement</a> from the organisation&nbsp;reads: "Football is built on its unique social and cultural heritage, which not only gives it an unparalleled relationship to its fans but also has created the engine to spread the professional game like no other sport. "For this to be sustained, a healthy and solidarity-based cooperation between domestic and international competitions is critical. A new competition undermining this might cause irreparable damage."

FIFPro condemn Super League plans

Wayne Rooney says that Tottenham are "crazy" to sack Jose Mourinho on the eve of a cup final and backed the former Man Utd boss to recover from the disappointment. "Crazy doing it before a cup final," Rooney told reporters.&nbsp;"Strange timing. Could have waited. Fantastic manager. One of the best the game has seen. I am sure he will bounce back."

Rooney backs 'one of the best' Mou to bounce back

A number of high profile footballers have hit out at Super League proposals, including World Cup winner Mesut Ozil and former Man Utd midfielder Ander Herrera. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/the-rich-stealing-what-the-people-created-herrera-and-ozil/1pdx8399afxxr1epddjk7l3ye2" target="_blank">Read the full story here.</a>

'The rich stealing what the people created'

Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick was asked for his thoughts on the Super League announcement during today's press conference. He told reporters: "I don't know every single detail, but I support what Bayern Munich said and what Borussia Dortmund said. I don't think it would be good for European football."

Flick: Super League not good for European football

Chairman of the Spirit of Shankly Liverpool supporters union, Joe Blott doesn't believe fans will allow the Super League to progress. "Football fans don't want to watch Liverpool play Real Madrid four times a year," Blott told the BBC. "We want to be in a competition that is beset with sporting integrity, we want a league that has promotion and relegation. None of this fits with the sporting way that football fans want to do things. "We want to be excited by the opportunities, to be in the top four, to get promoted, to have the challenge of relegation, to win cups. This isn't going to happen. "This is just a multi-billion pound greed approach. It cannot be allowed to happen and I don't think that fans will accept it."

Spirit of Shankly: Super League cannot be allowed to happen

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says that&nbsp;a Super League could spell war in football - and he hopes that the fans side with the opposition to the project. "There cannot be any other opinion about it. It's a big threat, what I see coming up - war, if you want, from the big clubs," said Hasenhuttl. "We will see what the future brings but it's a big threat and we have to fight against it. "I hope we have the fans with us, and without the fans football won't work. They have a lot of power, these big clubs."

Hasenhuttl: We have to fight against Super League 

Games played: 86 Games won: 44 Games lost: 23 Games drawn: 19 Win percentage: 51%

Mourinho's Tottenham record 🤓

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has expressed firm opposition to the idea of the Super League. On Twitter, Radrizzani wrote of the news: "Absolutely against the sporting spirit, the dream of millions of fans to conquer the champions on the field, with planning, vision, work. [It will] kill dreams of players and fans. "The teams are fans and WE are custodians of the club."

Leeds chief Radrizzani hits out at Super League

Mesut Ozil has added his voice to the current professionals who are speaking out about the proposed Super League. "Kids grow up dreaming to win the World Cup and the Champions League - not any Super League," Ozil said on Twitter.&nbsp; "The enjoyment of big games is that they only happen once or twice a year, not every week. Really hard to understand for all football fans out there..." <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Kids grow up dreaming to win the World Cup and the Champions League - not any Super League. The enjoyment of big games is that they only happen once or twice a year, not every week. Really hard to understand for all football fans out there...⚽💔 — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/1384100211815976960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Ozil: Kids don't grow up dreaming to win the Super League

Aston Villa chief Christian Purslow says that a breakaway Super League is a "grotesque concept" that is designed to remove unpredictability from football. "It would enable a small number of clubs to be in this competition come what may and, for millions of people in football, that goes against everything the sport means and stands for," Purslow told BBC Radio 4. "The idea is that the uncertainty that comes with sport, that makes it so compelling, that we all love, is actually damaging to the business models of these huge clubs. "So the scheme is designed to take away that uncertainty, to give predictability to their businesses so that, if they're badly managed or have a poor year, they're still in the premier tournament. "Does that sound like sport or football to you? To me it sounds a grotesque concept."

Aston Villa chief: Super League 'a grotesque concept'

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today I wake up to crazy news! 😡 An insult to my belief: football is happiness, freedom, passion, fans and is for everyone. This project is disgusting, not fair and I’m disappointed to see clubs I represented involved. Fight against this! 💪🏻❤️⚽️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopTheSuperLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopTheSuperLeague</a> — Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) <a href="https://twitter.com/Podolski10/status/1384063751431720960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

'Super league project is disgusting' - Podolski

In a statement, the League Managers Association, which represents Premier League and English Football League managers said: "The LMA stands alongside the game’s other stakeholders in opposing the newly proposed European Super League. "We believe that any such league would be catastrophically destabilising to the entire European football pyramid, with deep and far-reaching consequences. "The proposals look to create a structure in European football, dominated by a self-selected group of wealthy clubs. Such a closed-shop league structure would be fundamentally anti-competitive and in stark opposition to the rich history and heritage of the meritocratic framework that is at the heart of the interconnected relationship between the domestic leagues and European club football. "Closing off the top of the pyramid of European club football would immediately extinguish many of the ambitions and dreams that drive managers, coaches, players and fans. "Club owners are custodians of the clubs they lead and they have a duty and responsibility to the integrity of the game that should always take precedence over self-interest and financial gain. "Now more than ever, as the game looks to face the challenges of re-emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, it needs to be unified, working to the principles of cooperation and solidarity. "We will support the game’s stakeholders in taking any appropriate measures required and we urge those leading the clubs responsible for the European Super League proposals to fundamentally reconsider their position and act in the best interests of the whole game."

Super League 'would be catastrophically destabilising' - LMA

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 51% - Only with Leiria (45%) has José Mourinho posted a lower win ratio in all competitions in his managerial career than he has with Tottenham Hotspur (51% - won 44/86 games). Sacked. <a href="https://t.co/lunYGIMwh8">pic.twitter.com/lunYGIMwh8</a> — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1384083825282535431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Is Mourinho going backwards?

Graeme Souness insists Jose Mourinho will still be an enticing prospect for big clubs, despite his premature exit from Tottenham. “He’s a big name, a big manager. He will be welcomed by other big clubs," Souness told Sky Sports. "He’s got a track record that is right up there with the very best, he’s got a way of working which isn’t so attractive to a lot of people, but he gets the job done. "Things haven’t worked as Spurs this time around, he’s left in the week of a cup final, but he did fulfil that ambition by getting them there. I think he will still be attractive to clubs, as long as he still has the appetite."

'Mourinho will be welcomed by other big clubs'

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ander Herrera has spoken out about the Super League plans. "I fell in love with popular&nbsp;football, with the football of the fans, with the dream of seeing the team of my heart compete against the greatest," Herrera said in a statement shared on Twitter. "If this European Super League advances, those dreams are over, the illusions of the fans of the teams that are not giants of being able to win on the field competing in the best competitions will end. "I love football and cannot remain silent about this. I believe in an improved Champions League, but not in the rich stealing what the people created, which is nothing other than the most beautiful sport on the planet." PSG, of course, are not one of the founding members of the venture, but Herrera's former club Manchester United are. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/C9zV59zJxH">pic.twitter.com/C9zV59zJxH</a> — Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnderHerrera/status/1384093651702140937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Herrera slams 'the rich stealing what the people created'

In a statement, the Spanish top division chiefs said: La Liga strongly condemns the recently published proposal for a breakaway, elitist European competition that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid. "Today football fans across Europe can dream that their club, no matter the size, may excel, climb to the top and compete at the pinnacle of European football. LaLiga defends this European tradition of football for all. The concept proposed by 12 European clubs destroys that dream, shutting the door to the top of European football, allowing in just an elite few." The full statement can be read here: <center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement.— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1384081909597102084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

La Liga 'strongly condemns' Super League

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our statement regarding last night’s announcement: <a href="https://t.co/ZRD9vPKNRV">pic.twitter.com/ZRD9vPKNRV</a>— Spion Kop 1906 (@SpionKop1906) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpionKop1906/status/1384021904550293508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Liverpool fan group oppose Super League plans

Graeme Souness says he is surprised by timing of Tottenham's decision to sack Jose Mourinho, but admits that the manager is always the one to lose if there is "unrest in the dressing room".&nbsp; "I’m surprised, the timing is most unusual with a cup final on the horizon. Something has gone on to bring this all to a head," Souness told Sky Sports. "I don’t think Jose would have been terribly happy with the way league form was going. To second guess what’s happened, Jose is an experienced manager and he has become so frustrated with the players. "When you’ve tried everything, you end up having harsh words with them and falling out with them. News of unrest in the dressing room then gets back to the decision makers at the club and then there is only one outcome, and that is for&nbsp;the manager to go.”

Souness: Jose became frustrated with the players

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has not held back in his criticisms of the Super League plans and believes his forer club's reputation is being damaged. He told the Telegraph:&nbsp;"To be tainted by association with the European Super League is bad enough, but Liverpool’s apparent leading role in threatening football’s competitive ideals – the very ideals which allowed the club to emerge from England’s second division to become six-time European champions – is a betrayal of a heritage they are seeking to cash in on." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/european-super-league-carragher-sickened-by-liverpools/bjxwd1lr2qp61fstmq240jf15" target="_blank">Read more here.</a> <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Stay out of this you charlatan <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> your mates are giving their mates billion pound contracts! And don’t even mention football supporters after a magazine edited by you crucified Liverpool supporters after Hillsborough. <a href="https://t.co/aaB9ey5pM8">https://t.co/aaB9ey5pM8</a> — Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carra23/status/1384085869246631938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Carragher 'sickened' by Super League plans

Those who style themselves as 'founding members' of the Super League are also leaving the European Club&nbsp;Association (ECA). <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/man-utd-arsenal-resign-eca-european-super-league/xc0xacfx2ytq1a161s9czcs3v" target="_blank">Read more!</a>

There has been an ECA exodus

Rio Ferdinand has admitted to being "embarrassed" by Manchester United's involvement in the European Super League plans, which he describes as a declaration of "war on football". The former Red Devils defender told&nbsp;BT Sport:&nbsp;"I think this breakaway group of teams, this is a war on football. It’s a disgrace. It’s embarrassing. And it goes against everything football is about." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/this-is-a-war-on-football-ferdinand-embarrassed-by-man-utds/1fwhmunwk5z6c1re2x2g8sg2f3" target="_blank">Read the full story here!</a>

Super League is 'a war on football'

Manchester United and England legend Gary Neville has led the angry backlash criticising clubs who have signed up for a proposed European Super League. Speaking on&nbsp;Sky Sports on Sunday evening, he stated: “I'm not against the modernisation of football competition, but to bring forward proposals in the wake of Covid is an absolute scandal. United and the rest of the big six clubs that have signed up to it should be ashamed of themselves." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/deduct-points-neville-criticism-european-super-league/14kpd2x70o6b01x8r2v7igfx6m" target="_blank">Read more!</a> <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This lot think they can sweep up £300m more each season than the other teams and then wander back on a Saturday and play with that advantage in the PL . Deduct points , fine heavily and embargo transfers. I hope they haven’t bought some of the other 14 clubs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stopthesuperleague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stopthesuperleague</a> — Gary Neville (@GNev2) <a href="https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1383983343323160581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Neville calls for points deductions

In a statement, the English top-flight said: "The Premier League condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid. "Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best. We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream. "The Premier League is proud to run a competitive and compelling football competition that has made it the most widely watched league in the world. Our success has enabled us to make an unrivalled financial contribution to the domestic football pyramid. "A European Super League will undermine the appeal of the whole game, and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future prospects of the Premier League and its member clubs, and all those in football who rely on our funding and solidarity to prosper. &nbsp;&nbsp; "We will work with fans, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA, as well as other stakeholders, at home and abroad, to defend the integrity and future prospects of English football in the best interests of the game." <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/premier-league-hits-out-at-european-super-league-plans/1oxiif2ur0vv41iohehxnn21m1" target="_blank">Read more here.</a>

UEFA & Premier League slam Super League plans

Tottenham - one of the founding members of the new Super League - have sacked Jose Mourinho.&nbsp;That's according to the <a href="https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1384074409699282944" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>. 😬 Mourinho's fortunes with Spurs had declined significantly in recent weeks.&nbsp;They have won once in their last six matches, getting dumped out of the Europa League in the process, and their chances of continental qualification have been severely impacted with a number of disappointing results.

And as if that wasn't enough drama...

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING | The Super League is coming. 🇮🇹 AC Milan 🇮🇹 Inter 🇮🇹 Juventus 🇪🇸 Atletico 🇪🇸 Barcelona 🇪🇸 Real Madrid 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Arsenal 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Liverpool 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Man City 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Man Utd 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Chelsea 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Tottenham— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1383908809999933444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>The football world was profoundly shaken up on Sunday evening when news that 12 of the game's biggest clubs were intent on forming 'The Super League'. It's been talked about for years, but nothing official materialised until now. Stay with us throughout the day for all the latest news and&nbsp;all the reaction from pundits and fans alike.

So, it looks like the Super League is happening...

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Super League LIVE: European clubs' breakaway plans, fan protests, what happens next & all the details | Goal.com South Africa

A number of the biggest football clubs in the world have dropped a bombshell on the game - Goal has all the details and reaction