The dramatic collapse of the billion dollar league came less than 48 hours after it first launched.
In a video posted on Liverpool social media outlets Wednesday morning, club owner John W. Henry, believed to be one of the main drivers behind the Super League, was a remorseful figure.
“I would like to apologize to all the fans, supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disturbance I have caused in the last 48 hours,” he said. “It goes without saying, but it has to be said that the proposed project would never last without the fans. Nobody ever thought otherwise in England.
“In the last 48 hours you were very clear that it would not last. We heard you. I heard you. And I want to apologize to Jurgen. [Klopp, manager], Billy [Hogan, CEO], to the players and to everyone who works so hard at LFC to make our fans proud. They have absolutely no responsibility for this disturbance.
“They were the most upset and dishonest. This is what hurts the most. They love their club and do everything they can to make you proud every day. I know that the entire LFC team has the expertise, leadership and passion necessary to rebuild trust and help. We are moving forward. “
However, for most fans, an apology is not enough. The widespread sense of betrayal – that supporters, the lifeblood of the sport, were not consulted before this decision and treated with contempt – will persist for a long time.
Whether it really amounts to some change – such as turning it over to, say, Germany’s “50 + 1” fan ownership model – remains to be seen, but the UK government has confirmed that it will publish a fan-led review of the sport. if football authorities fail to prevent the Super League.
‘Sporting earnings must prevail’
At the first appearance, Tuesday’s chaos night seemed to be the death of the European Super League.
However, in a statement released later that evening, ESL said it will change its controversial plans and “reshape the project.” The Athletic and ESPN reported that the Super League’s statement is challenging that the “status quo of European football must change”.
But Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, believed to be another key driver behind the Super League, said on Wednesday that the new competition was no longer viable without the six Premier League teams.
“Look, I think, to be fair and honest, no,” he said, as reported by Reuters.
“I remain convinced of the beauty of that project, of the value it would have developed into the pyramid, of creating the best competition in the world, but apparently not.
“I mean, I don’t think that project is ongoing now.”
Shortly after Agnelli’s statement on Wednesday, Spanish club Atlético Madrid and Italian club Inter Milan announced that they were the first non-English teams to leave the Super League.
Atlético said in a statement that it had told the Super League that it had decided “not to formalize its participation in the project at last.”
“For the club, harmony is essential between all the groups that make up the ‘rojiblanca’ family, especially our fans,” he said. “The selection of the first team and the coach have expressed their satisfaction with the club’s decision, recognizing that sporting merits must take precedence over all other criteria.”
Meanwhile, Inter Milan said it was “no longer part of the Super League project”.
“We are always committed to providing fans with the best football experience; innovation and inclusion have been part of our DNA since our inception,” said a statement. “Our commitment to all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change.
“Inter believes that football, like any sector of activity, should have an interest in continuously improving its leagues in order to continue to excite fans of all ages around the world, within a framework of financial sustainability.”
Fellow Serie A side AC Milan soon followed suit, saying in a statement that “the votes and concerns of fans around the world have been clearly voiced about the Super League, and AC Milan must be sensitive to the voices of those who love this great game. sport. “
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who would also become the Super League president, appeared to be sticking his heels in the sand during an interview with Spanish sports show El Chiringuito on Monday evening, suggesting there could be legal ramifications for those who decide to withdraw to pull.
“The Super League contract is binding,” he said. “Nobody can leave, we all work together. All clubs signed the contracts last Saturday, no problem.”
If the clubs do indeed manage to withdraw, it remains to be seen whether Perez and the league do indeed have grounds for a legal challenge.
As Perez was defiantly in charge, the presence of Spanish teams was crucial to keep the project viable. However, fans of all three clubs are understandably outraged by the decision.
While Atlético and its supporters pride themselves on being a people’s club, Real and Barcelona ‘socios’ – fans who sign up as members – always vote on important club decisions. They were completely bypassed, of course.
For many Barcelona fans, the club’s famous motto ‘Mes que un club’ – ‘More than a club’ – certainly sounds hollow.
As for the clubs that have decided to leave the ship – and the remaining three that may follow in the near future – the pertinent question is how UEFA and their respective leagues will deal with the apparent insubordination.
While the divisions will no doubt be relieved to have retained some of their most valuable assets, it remains to be seen whether they will be treated as prodigal sons upon their return to the league or whether they will receive penalties such as points deductions or bans. of UEFA competitions.
Fans, even those of the involved clubs it seems, would certainly prefer the latter.