Soccer Super League shelved as clubs continue to withdraw
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The European Super League can no longer proceed, Juventus boss Andrea Agnelli confirmed on Wednesday as Italian club Inter Milan joined the six English teams in withdrawing from the controversial breakaway competition after intense criticism.
The project was announced on Sunday with 12 founding members but 48 hours later the English clubs capitulated under massive pressure from fans, politicians, soccer officials and even British royals. Agnelli said he remained convinced about the merits of the Super League despite the overflowing criticism.
“I remain convinced of the beauty of that project,”
Agnelli told Reuters, adding that it would have created the best competition in the world. “But admittedly … I mean, I don’t think that that project is now still up and running.” A source close to Inter Milan earlier confirmed to Reuters they were no longer interested in the project “in light of the latest developments”.
Italian side AC Milan, Spain’s Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and the six English clubs were the other founding members of the league.
Liverpool’s principal owner John Henry apologised in a video on the club’s website and social media on Wednesday. “It goes without saying but should be said that the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans,” he said.
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“I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days. It’s something I won’t forget. And shows the power the fans have today and will rightly continue to have.” Having triggered an enormous backlash from players, fans and football authorities, the Super League said late on Tuesday it would reconsider and look to “reshape” the project, while stopping short of throwing in the towel.