Chelsea reportedly preparing to withdraw from European Super League, which could crumble
Perhaps the European Super League will not happen with breaking news that Chelsea already wants out.
The massive news that broke Sunday night overseas in which a combined 12 clubs from the top English, Italian and Spanish soccer leagues were forming a European Super League was met with condemnation from almost all sides immediately. It could be that the Super League doesn't happen with the breaking news from BBC Sport that Chelsea "are preparing documentation to request withdrawing from the European Super League." Update: Manchester City and Atletico Madrid also have pulled out.Â
Chelsea was one of six English Premier League sides set to be one of 15 permanent members of the Super League along with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur (all from England), Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid (three from Spain), AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus (three from Italy).
The founders of the Super League planned to add three more permanent teams to reach 15 and then have five rotating teams per season from the rest of Europe through a qualification process.
However, reigning European champions Bayern Munich of Germany and the club they beat in last year's Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain of France, released statements opposing the creation of a European Super League.
The 14 Premier League clubs not involved in the Super League met Tuesday and subsequently released this statement: "The Premier League, alongside The FA, met with clubs to discuss the immediate implications of the Super League proposal. The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition. The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those shareholders involved to account under its rules."
Fan groups associated with the six English clubs involved are strongly opposed to the European Super League, too. Chelsea Supporters' Trust called the move "unforgivable" and said its members and "football supporters across the world have experienced the ultimate betrayal."
Thus, Chelsea reportedly wants out. The Blues reportedly were already told by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that they can't back out, but that isn't stopping them. Chelsea fans demonstrated against the European Super League outside of Stamford Bridge in London on Tuesday ahead of the Blues' EPL match vs. Brighton and Hove Albion.
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