21 Apr 2021

English teams quit Super League project

10:24 am on 21 April 2021

England's Premier League teams have withdrawn from the European Super League leaving the project in tatters just 48 hours after it was launched.

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette, left, celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at The London Stadium, in east London on March 21, 2021.

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, left, celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match against West Ham United in March. Photo: AFP

Manchester City were the first to leave followed by Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with Chelsea reported to be also preparing to abandon the breakaway.

The 12-team Super League was announced on Sunday to widespread condemnation.

Manchester City confirmed they have "formally enacted the procedures to withdraw" from the Super League.

Liverpool said their involvement in the proposed breakaway league "has been discontinued".

Manchester United said they had "listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders" in making their decision to not take part.

Arsenal apologised and said they had "made a mistake", adding they were withdrawing after listening to their fans and the "wider football community".

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said the club regretted the "anxiety and upset" caused by the proposal.

Etihad Stadium, Manchester City.

Manchester City were the first to leave the European Super League. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

- BBC / Reuters

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