Politics
European Super League: Boris Johnson welcomes six Premier League clubs’ exit as ‘right result for football and fans’
BORIS Johnson has spoken of his relief after all six English clubs quit the hated European Super League.
In a massive victory for fan power, the loathed plan was abandoned last night after both Chelsea and Manchester City dropped out.
Fans celebrated at Stamford Bridge after hearing plans for the European Super League had been pulled[/caption]
Boris Johnson has also shared his relief this morning[/caption]
Spurs, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all announced they were quitting the project hours later.
And the PM – who yesterday vowed to take any action necessary to break the league – has shared his joy.
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“I welcome last night’s announcement,” he said on Twitter this morning.
“This is the right result for football fans, clubs, and communities across the country.
“We must continue to protect our cherished national game.”
He had threatened new laws over the European Super League plot – and backed Prem bosses to kick out the ‘Big Six’ if they want to.
Mr Johnson yesterday vowed not to stand by “while a small handful of owners create a closed shop” and promised to back fans all the way.
And he branded the ESL a cartel – saying its “not right” to rob British fans of their footie.
The PM told a No 10 press conference the plot for a football breakaway “offends against the basic principles of competition” and slammed owners for trying to turn their clubs into “commodities”.
He added: “How can it be right in which you have a situation where you create a sort of cartel which stops clubs competing against each?
“It offends against the basic principles of competition and if necessary, in order to protect that principle of competition, we will seek legislative solution but we hope that they can find a way forward themselves.”
The Premier League had also held a crisis meeting without the ‘Big Six’, where the remaining 14 clubs “unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans” for the rebel league.
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Under the jettisoned plans, top clubs would be guaranteed involvement every season for 23 years with huge financial gain while abandoning the English game.
And culture secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News this morning: “It is a victory for fans, and the country has been united in condemning these proposals and the Government has stood firm behind the footballing authorities in saying we will do whatever it takes to stop this proposal.
“We were willing to take very, very bold measures to stop this proposal going ahead and I’m very glad that the fans with the backing of the Government and others have had their say.”
