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European Super League bites the dust as Italian clubs also pull out

Atletico Madrid also pulled out soon after the withdrawal of all 6 English clubs

football-super-league-protests-ap Fans protest the proposed European Super League | AP

The breakaway European Super League suffered a fatal blow as three Italian clubs—Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan—pulled out on Wednesday soon after the withdrawal of all six English Premier League clubs.

The plan to launch the league separate from the UEFA Champions League was announced on Sunday. However, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur withdrew from the Super League just 48 hours later following a backlash from fans, coaches, ex-players and even public officials.

“We got it wrong,” said Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer. “This is the world’s greatest football club and we apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days.”

Liverpool owner John W. Henry also jumped into the bandwagon and apologised. “It goes without saying but should be said, the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans.”

Juventus said they remained “convinced of the soundness of the project’s sport, commercial and legal premises” but accepted it could not go ahead in its original form.

AC Milan, who have missed out on the riches of the Champions League for the past seven seasons, said a shake-up was necessary but admitted they “must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport”.

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid have also pulled out of the league.

“From the Atletico squad we want to communicate our satisfaction over the final decision to withdraw the commitment to the Super League project taken by our club,” said Atletico captain Koke in a statement.

Real Madrid and Barcelona—the last of the initial group of 12 clubs to sign up—have yet to make any comment on their future plans.

Despite announcing their withdrawals, the 12 clubs may still face some form of punishment, including sanctions.

Karl-Erik Nilsson, who is also the president of the Swedish Football Association, said European governing body UEFA’s executive committee would decide whether to take action against the clubs at its next meeting on Friday.

The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Many clubs have huge debts and wage bills, and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

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