Premier League slams ‘damaging’ European Super League plans

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

The Premier League has condemned plans by a number of Europe’s top clubs to create a European Super League.

An earthquake hit the world of football on Sunday when it was revealed that six teams from the Premier League, three from Italy and three from La Liga have agreed to join a breakaway league starting from the 2022/23 season.

The full details of how the league would work, which have already begun to be leaked to the media, are expected to be announced on Sunday evening.

READ MORE: Premier League clubs set to go to WAR with Uefa over Super League plans

READ MORE: UEFA condemn Super League plans

Like Uefa, the Premier League have been quick to denounce the plans.

Premier League Statement on Super League in full

A statement read: “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.   

“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.”

Letter from Premier League Chief Executive

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has also written a letter to the rebel Premier League clubs urging them to walk away from the Super League.

“I cannot envisage any scenario where such permission would be granted,” Masters wrote.

“Based on our understanding of the proposed European Super League concept it would sit outside the auspices of UEFA and the current European sporting pyramid, offering 15 founding members permanent access from as early as season 2022-23, rather than via the historic access principles of annual sporting merit.

“Such a European Super League would be deeply damaging to the European pyramid, and 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.

“We do not and cannot support such a concept. Premier League rules contain a commitment amongst clubs to remain within the football pyramid and forbid and clubs from entering competitions beyond those listed in Rule L9, without Premier League Board permission. 

“I cannot envisage any scenario where such permission would be granted. It is the duty of the Premier League Board to defend the integrity and the prospects of the League as a whole, and we will have no choice but to do everything we can to protect and maintain both.

“As previously evidenced, we would expect complete condemnation from all parts of the game, fans groups and the UK Government.

“This venture cannot be launched without English clubs and we call upon any club contemplating associating themselves or joining this venture to walk away immediately before irreparable damage is done.