EFL 'heartened' by backlash to European Super League following collapse of controversial plans

The plans to launch a 12-club breakaway league have been left in tatters following a number of withdrawals, including the six Premier League sides.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all withdrew within hours of each other on Tuesday following a furious backlash against the plans.

Responding to the withdrawals, the EFL released a statement condemning the “divisive” proposals with “threatened the sporting principles” of the football pyramid.

“The EFL welcomes the decision made by six English Premier League teams to withdraw its intentions to join a European Super League,” the EFL said.

“With widespread opposition met at home and abroad, including from the EFL, these divisive proposals threatened the sporting principles of the football pyramid that our founding members pioneered over a century ago.

“Across the globe, people in and outside of the game spoke up when it counted. The EFL is heartened by the response and remain proud to be part of a unified footballing system that promotes open competition, gives everybody a chance to dream and continues to inspire generations of young people in the communities from where our clubs take their name.

“The message is clear that the pyramid must be protected above all. The European Super League failed in part due to a model of distorted and unfair financial distributions, a criticism that can also be levelled at the current financial model in our own domestic game.

“The EFL hopes the same enthusiasm can be immediately directed to achieve appropriate and much needed change to the distribution of wealth in our domestic leagues, and we will work with all parties to push for this reform.

“By resetting economically, we can support all clubs in achieving a sustainable future, promoting the principles that so many have fought for.

“Reforms must also consider UEFA’s own Champions League restructuring which pose an existential threat to our competitions, including the League Cup, which provides vital income to EFL clubs and is the breeding ground for stars of the future.

“The EFL will embrace the Government’s fan-led review and confirm we will contribute fully to help shape any decisions taken and ensure they are made in the best interests of supporters and the clubs that we represent.”

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