More stories

  • in

    Liverpool omit Klopp and Milner’s views on European Super League from official website after they criticise plans

    LIVERPOOL chose to omit Jurgen Klopp’s view on the European Super League from their official website after he criticised plans to join it.James Milner’s anti-ESL stance was also ignored by Liverpool’s club site when they reported on pre and post-match comments for last night’s 1-1 draw at Leeds.
    Liverpool omitted Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of the European Super League from their websiteCredit: Getty
    James Milner’s comments also failed to make the write-up after last night’s 1-1 draw at LeedsCredit: AFP

    Plans for Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Tottenham to join a ‘super league’ has been met with widespread criticism and condemnation.
    Fans, pundits and other clubs alike have joined forces to slam their plans for a breakaway closed shop also involving Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
    Very little has been revealed by the clubs taking part.
    And it has been left to beleaguered managers – left in the dark about the decision – to face up to cameras while preparing for important games.
    Last night, Liverpool boss Klopp was asked on his take before and after the 1-1 draw with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
    The German made it clear he did not agree with the lack of competitiveness the ESL would bring.
    And veteran Reds midfield Milner also hit out at the money-making franchise plans which have sent shockwaves throughout football.
    However, Liverpool chose to ignore both men’s comments on the issue when reporting on their interviews for their official club website.
    BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS

    Milner had said after the game at Elland Road: “I can only say my personal opinion; I don’t like it and hopefully it doesn’t happen.
    “[Why?] The same reasons as everyone else who has been talking out over the last day.
    “Obviously it’s been difficult for us, trying to prepare for the game, but I can only imagine what’s been said about it and I probably agree with most of it.”
    Liverpool boss Klopp, who had blasted plans for a ‘super league’ in 2019, also said before kick-off: “My opinions didn’t change.
    “I heard first time about it yesterday (Sunday) and when you try and prepare for a very difficult game like Leeds and then so far we got some information, not a lot to be honest, most of the things you can read.

    MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

    “It’s a tough one, people are not happy with that, I can understand that but I can’t say a lot about it to be honest.
    “We were not involved in any processes, me nor the players we didn’t know about it. We’ll have to wait and see how it develops.
    “I’m 53 years old since I was first a professional, the Champions League was there. As a manager it was my aim to coach a team there.
    “I like the Champions League, the competitive factor of football, I like the fact West Ham might play it next year.
    “I don’t want them to because we want to do that, but they have a chance like that. What can I say?

    “Liverpool is much more than some decisions and the most important things in football is the supporters and the teams and we have to make sure nothing comes between them.”
    Talking after the match, Klopp added: “I have six years at the club, I know our owners, they are reasonable people, serious people.
    “They care about us, but they never have to explain this type of decision or ask permission or whatever.
    “I speak a lot to them, but I was not involved in the process, not at all. I got info yesterday, nobody knows what will happen, I don’t know anything about that.
    “The team has nothing to do with it and I have not really anything to do with it, but people treat us like that.
    This is arguably the best XI of players who as it stands would play in the European Super League
    “The Leeds fans came here today, before the game they were shouting at us in the city this afternoon.
    “We have nothing to do with this, we are employees of the club and I feel responsible for a lot of things at this club.
    “When I am involved in things and I take the criticism easily, but my boys – I don’t think they have to take it as well.
    “We are not involved in this, so it’s a tough one at the moment. I will try to help and sort it somehow.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool fans protest over European Super League More

  • in

    Chelsea fans celebrate outside Stamford Bridge after Blues QUIT Super League following furious backlash

    CHELSEA fans went wild in West London after their team pulled out of the controversial proposed Super League.The move followed an angry backlash with fans gathering at the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium to demand owner Roman Abramovich back away from the plans.
    Chelsea fans celebrating the decision to quit the Super LeagueCredit: Getty
    Fans had gathered at the ground to protestCredit: Reuters
    Fans had demanded owner Roman Abramovich ditch plans to join the leagueCredit: EPA
    Petr Cech begged Chelsea fans to stop blocking the road at a European Super League protest outside Stamford BridgeCredit: PA
    Arrests were made by police amid chaotic scenes ahead of tonight’s game against BrightonCredit: EPA

    The decision to quit the Super League came came less than an hour after furious fans branded club legend Petr Cech a “traitor” in ugly clashes.
    Protestors blocked the road and attempted to stop Chelsea’s team bus from pulling into the stadium, delaying kick-off until 8.15pm.
    It was later announced both Chelsea and Manchester City had both pulled out of the controversial plans, amid mounting anger among fans.
    And in a massive victory for fan power, all six Prem clubs have now quit with Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United following suit.
    Confirming the move late last night, the Blues said having had “time to consider the matter fully and have decided that our continued participation in these plans would not be in the best interests of the Club, our supporters or the wider football community”.

    MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

    Amid the fall out, Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has also quit, although it is understood he made his decision on Monday.    
    Fury at the proposals has even led to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to threaten new laws to try to sink the Super League.
    He branded the ESL a cartel saying its “not right” to rob British fans of their footie – saying “be in no doubt that we don’t support it”.
    Supporters, pundits and footballers, including Liverpool’s James Milner, had made their feelings clear that they do not want the Super League to go ahead – with the 12 owners chasing more money.

    Chelsea fans stopped traffic as they protested the European Super LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Blues supporters gathered at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday after Sunday’s controversial announcementCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    A banner hung near the groundCredit: AP
    Chelsea fans made their voices heard ahead of tonight’s game against BrightonCredit: Getty
    Loyal Blues begged Roman Abramovich to walk away from the controversial plansCredit: Getty
    The protests at Stamford Bridge led to technical director and former legendary goalkeeper Cech from wading into the crowd, pleading with irate fans to calm down and let the bus through.
    But he was met by a deluge of cries and jeers as police formed a barrier around him, with some even calling Cech a “traitor”.
    Protestors descended upon Stamford Bridge earlier in the evening waving placards criticising owner Abramovich for signing up to Florentino Perez’s brainchild, which has sent shockwaves throughout European football.
    One sign called on Abramovich to ‘do the right thing’, and another mourned: “1905-2021. RIP CFC. Save The Bridge.”
    The protest came after SunSport exclusively revealed Chelsea players were left concerned by the official ESL announcement on Sunday – as well as the threat of being banned from the Champions League following their semi-final achievement.
    Chelsea were also forced to remove dozens of fan-owned banners from the stands as the Super League row intensified.
    BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS
    Stamford Bridge’s famous Shed End was stripped bare as was the Matthew Harding Stand at the opposite end of the 41,000 capacity ground.

    Irate supporters contacted Chelsea yesterday to voice their anger at plans for their club to join a group of 12 European teams in forming a breakaway league.
    And one way of showing it has been to demand the taking down of the huge banners that have either hung from the top tiers or been placed on the empty seats during the Covid pandemic to show solidarity with Chelsea.

    The supporters’ banners are the most notable inside the ground. 
    One features a portrait of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich along with the slogan ‘Roman Army’. 
    Another refers to a song lyric about Stamford Bridge – ‘The Only Place To Be Every Other Saturday’.
    Police officers eventually blocked off fans from entering the roadCredit: AFP
    Chelsea are one of 12 teams to sign up for the Super LeagueCredit: Getty
    Others pay tribute to former players like ex-captain John Terry ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ and ‘Super Frankie Lampard’.
    Chelsea will be the first of the rebel ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League to host a match since the plan to form the Super League was confirmed.
    Liverpool is another club involved in the controversial idea and their supporters have also asked for their banners to be taken off Anfield’s famous Kop End.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Chelsea legend Petr Cech begs fans to let team bus as European Super League protest hits Brighton clash More

  • in

    Chelsea forced to remove dozens of fan-owned banners from stands before Brighton clash over European Super League plot

    CHELSEA were forced to remove dozens of fan-owned banners from the stands before withdrawing from the Super League tonight.Stamford Bridge’s famous Shed End was stripped bare as was the Matthew Harding Stand at the opposite end of the 41,000 capacity ground before Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Brighton, with irate fans protesting ahead of kick-off.
    Fan-owned banners were removed ahead of Chelsea’s draw with BrightonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Irate supporters contacted Chelsea on Monday to voice their anger at plans for their club to join a group of 12 European teams in forming a breakaway league.
    And one way of showing was to demand the taking down of the huge banners that have either hung from the top tiers or been placed on the empty seats during the Covid pandemic to show solidarity with Chelsea.
    But Blues supporters upped their game by protesting against the Super League outside Stamford Bridge this evening before kick-off.
    They blocked the Fulham Road in chaotic scenes and even prevented the team buses from entering the stadium, forcing the game to be delayed until 8.15pm.
    Technical director and former goalie Petr Cech was forced to approach the protestors, begging them to move out of the way for the bus.
    And the fans were later celebrating as news broke that Chelsea were pulling out of the controversial super league, with Roman Abramovich ‘livid’ at being ‘blindsided’ by the backlash.
    As for the banners, fans were told the banners would be removed in time for the 8pm kick off against Brighton which ended in a bore draw and saw the Blues drop more points in the Champions League race.
    The supporters’ banners are the most notable inside the ground.
    BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS

    One features a portrait of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich along with the slogan ‘Roman Army’.
    Another refers to a song lyric about Stamford Bridge – ‘The Only Place To Be Every Other Saturday’.
    Others pay tribute to former players like ex-captain John Terry ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ and ‘Super Frankie Lampard’.
    Chelsea were the first of the rebel ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League to host a match since the plan to form the Super League was confirmed.

    MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

    Liverpool fans are also raging at the owners decision to sign up to the ESLCredit: Getty

    Liverpool are another club involved in the controversial idea.
    And their supporters have also asked for their banners to be taken off Anfield’s famous Kop.
    For full details on how the European Super League will work, check out SunSport’s extensive guide to the hugely controversial plans.
    Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool fans protest over European Super League More

  • in

    European Super League rebels face being summoned to appear before MPs as they are warned ‘no-one will be off limits’

    EUROPEAN Super League rebels face being summoned to appear before MPs.Greg Clarke’s appearance in front of the DCMS committee in November led to him resigning as FA chairman within hours after a string of stunning gaffes.
    Committee chair Julian Knight says MPs are ‘determined to safeguard’ the enjoyment of fans
    Greg Clarke lost his job as FA chairman after appearing in front of the DCMS committeeCredit: PA
    And now the Big Six club bosses are set for a similar ordeal at the hands of the cross-party committee after it announced it would hold an “evidence session to examine the impact of the European Super League proposals and what action is needed to protect the future of football in the UK”.
    Committee chair and Tory MP Julian Knight said: “The DCMS Committee has given its strong support for a hearing on these momentous developments in the football world.
    “We are in discussion with key players and will want to hear from major stakeholders as the impact of the new European Super League proposals unfold.”
    That foreshadows uncomfortable inquisitions for the club bosses, although it is unlikely United’s Joel Glazer, Liverpool owner John Henry or Roman Abramovich could be compelled to attend.
    Knight added: “We will reflect the widely-expressed concerns of supporters which will be at the centre of our investigation.
    “We welcome the Government’s fan-led review announced yesterday, finally given the impetus to go ahead by these seismic events.

    “No-one will be off limits in our determination to establish what needs to be done to safeguard the preciously held enjoyment the sport gives to people and to protect its legacy for the future.”
    Meanwhile, following a meeting with its 14 other clubs on Tuesday morning, the Premier League has also warned the ‘Big Six’ they face tough action.
    BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS

    Their statement said: “The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition.
    “The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those Shareholders involved to account under its rules. 
    “The League will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Boris Johnson brands European Super League a CARTEL and says ‘it’s not right’ to rob British fans of footie More

  • in

    European Super League boost as Madrid court blocks Fifa and Uefa from punishing breakaway rebel clubs

    EUROPEAN Super League plans received a boost when a Spanish court said Fifa and Uefa cannot punish rebel clubs.A Spanish commercial court said in a preliminary ruling that that the world and European football bodies must not prevent the 12 clubs from creating the league.
    Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is central to the European Super League plansCredit: AP

    It was not immediately clear what authority the Madrid court, which adjudicates corporate disputes, had over the football bodies, Reuters report.
    The court said in a written ruling seen by Reuters that Fifa, Uefa and all its associated soccer federations must not adopt ‘any measure that prohibits, restricts, limits or conditions in any way’ the creation of the Super League.
    The Super League project is headed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, and the company that has been set up to the run the competition is based in Madrid.
    The company applied to the Spanish court for an injunction to prevent soccer regulators from taking any action against its new league.
    The judge slapped a preliminary block on Fifa and Uefa at least for the duration of the legal proceedings.
    The court intervention came after both Uefa and Fifa warned they would impose sanctions on clubs and players competing in the new league, which has been set up as a rival to the established Champions League.
    Any players competing in the European Super League have been threatened with bans from Fifa and Uefa competition.
    Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid were warned they could be thrown out of this season’s tournament.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    And angry Premier League clubs want the Big Six – all of whom have signed up to the plans – to quit the English top-flight.
    But Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett threatened legal action if that happens.
    He told BBC: “It’s a disgrace. The first thing they talk about is banning players.
    “My main concern is players and representatives have not been consulted over this and right away people like Fifa and Uefa are threatening to ban them.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    “Everybody is putting the blame on players, and the only people who are really going to suffer inside the business is the players.”
    Barnett added: “Anything that affects the players. I assure you, we will go to court to fight the rights of the players.
    “You can have a situation for example where a player plays under Fifa rules on a Saturday and different rules on another day.”

    Football clubs unite against European Super League More

  • in

    Joel Glazer’s Man Utd takeover statement comes back to bite him after promising fans ‘wouldn’t notice change’

    JOEL GLAZER’S statement back in 2005 has come back to haunt him as supporters lose faith and trust in Manchester United’s ownership.United’s co-chairman released a statement on his takeover 16 years ago highlighting the importance of communicating with fans, praising the club’s history and heritage, and promising little change under his ownership.
    Joel Glazer has gone back on his word when he became co-owner of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Joel hasn’t directly communicated with United supporters since his interview with MUTV.
    But the latest plans to form a breakaway with the rest of the dirty dozen is the straw that broke the camel’s back with United supporters.
    Reported by Manchester Evening News, he said in his 2005 interview: “It’s extremely important (communication with fans). Again I keep coming back to it, fans are the lifeblood of this club.
    “People want to know what’s happening, people want to know where things are heading but we will be communicating.
    “Again, I think it’s important that the chief executive is communicating on a regular basis and we can communicate certain things ourselves but not much is going to be changing at Old Trafford.
    “What attracted us and allured us to Old Trafford are all the great things, all the great history, and all the great heritage. People keep saying ‘what are you going to change?’
    “And the thing I keep saying is people aren’t going to notice a change.
    “We don’t want people to notice a change because in the end we’ll be doing a disservice to this great club.

    MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

    Supporters have been protesting outside Old TraffordCredit: PA
    Fans have made their thoughts on the new Super League very clearCredit: Getty

    “We just want to help carry it on and grow what Manchester United has been, whilst recognise worldwide maybe there is some more things we can do overseas to grow Manchester United which again benefits the community and the football at large.”
    But it appears it is all just empty promises as United supporters join others in protesting outside Old Trafford against the Super League.
    When the Super League was announced, Glazer said: “By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.”
    The plans have caused a furious backlash from fans, clubs, pundits and even governments across Europe.
    United chief Ed Woodward, one of the names spearheading the new league, also reportedly held an emergency meeting with ‘seriously unimpressed’ players.

    Players have started to voice their discontent over the plans including James Milner while Marcus Rashford posted an image of a quote from the legendary Sir Matt Busby that read: “Football is nothing without fans.”
    Uefa have already threatened to kick the rebel clubs out of the Champions League.
    And the government insisted ‘no action is off the table’ with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying they have his “unwavering support for the football authorities and confirmed they have the government’s full backing to take whatever action necessary to put a stop to these plans.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Football clubs unite against European Super League More

  • in

    Wolves brilliantly declare themselves 2018-19 Premier League champions in cheeky dig at Big Six rebels

    WOLVES have hilariously declared themselves Premier League champions for the 2018-19 season in a jovial jibe at the Big Six.It comes after it was confirmed on Sunday night that Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have all signed up to be a part of the controversial European Super League.
    Wolves were the highest finishers outside of the Big Six two years agoCredit: AFP or licensors

    Wolves finished seventh behind the ‘Big Six’ two years ago after a brilliant first season back in the Premier League.
    As a result, with all those who ended the season above them now threatening to join a breakaway tournament, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have jokingly announced themselves as top flight champions for the 2018-19 campaign in their Twitter bio.
    Screenshotting their own profile, the club added: “It’s probably too late for a parade.”
    Wolves finished the 2018-19 season a whopping 41 points behind title winners Man City, who clinched the trophy for a second successive year.
    And it was City’s boss Pep Guardiola who slammed the idea of the ESL on Tuesday despite his club having signed up to it.
    He said: “If you ask me about these teams that have been selected, I don’t know the reason why. Are they going to play this competition in the future?
    “Sport is not sport when the relation between the effort and success and the effort and reward does not exist. So it is not sport.
    “It is not sport if the success is already guaranteed. It is not sport and it doesn’t matter if you lose.
    BETTING OFFER – GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BOYLESPORTS

    MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

    Raul Jimenez was Wolves’ top scorer in the 2018-19 season of the Premier League with 13 goalsCredit: PA:Press Association

    “That’s why I have said many times I want the best competition and the strongest competition possible. Especially the Premier League.
    “And it’s not fair when one team fight, fight, fight, arrive at the top and afterwards cannot qualify because the success is already guaranteed for a few clubs.
    “This statement is what I feel. I don’t know if it’s going to change and the people say ‘no, no, maybe four or five teams can go up and play in this competition’.
    “But what happens if the other 15 don’t have a good season and every time they will still be there. This is not sport.”
    The ESL proposal has received widespread criticism from fans, players, football’s governing bodies and the UK government.
    On Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson labelled the idea ‘very damaging’ for the sport.
    Just 48 hours later, he then went on to label the Premier League’s Big Six a ‘cartel’.
    Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool fans protest over European Super League More

  • in

    Boris Johnson brands European Super League a CARTEL and says ‘it’s not right’ to rob British fans of footie

    BORIS Johnson tonight railed against the European Super League as a “kind of cartel” and vowed not to shy away from taking legal action to stop it happening. The PM told a No 10 press conference the plan for a football breakaway “offends against the basic principles of competition” and slammed owners for trying to turn their clubs into “commodities”.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Boris Johnson branded plans for a European Super League ‘a kind of cartel’Credit: Reuters
    He said: “Our first step is clearly to back the football authorities in this country – the FA, the Premier League – in the steps they’re taking to counteract this initiative.
    “Be in no doubt that we don’t support it. It’s not in the interests of fans, it’s not in the interests of football.
    “How can it be right to have a situation in which you create a kind of cartel which stops clubs competing against each other, playing against each other, with all the hope and excitement that gives to the fans up and down the country?
    “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 PM said football was “invented and codified” in Britain and is “one of the great glories of this country’s cultural heritage” that must be preserved.
    Asked for his message to the owners of the breakaway teams, he added: “These clubs originate from famous town and cities in our country.
    “I don’t think it right they should be somehow dislocated from their home towns, home cities, taken and turned into international brands and commodities, just circulate the planet propelled by the billions of banks without any reference to fans and those who have loved them all their lives.”
    Boris has vowed to stop the new European Super League from happeningCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street
    The PM held crisis talks with top football figures today to plot a responseCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street
    His remarks came after a Cabinet minister vowed Super League clubs will face “sanctions” from the Government if they don’t ditch plans to join the rogue competition.
    Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the PM is determined to stop the creation of the breakaway division and urged the six English teams involved to step back from the brink.
    He said ministers are looking at “a whole range of sanctions” they can trigger and insisted: “It’s not in the spirit of football, it’s not what fans want, it’s not what players want, it’s not what managers want.”
    Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have all signed up to the rogue competition.
    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid from Spain, along with AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus from Italy, make up the remainder of the Dirty Dozen.
    The proposed format is intended to replace the current Champions League, which clubs qualify for on merit based on their performance in their domestic division.
    Instead, in the Super League a cartel of clubs would be guaranteed a spot every year with no threat of relegation, and almost no chance for others to join.
    Other major European clubs including Bayern Munich, Paris St Germain, and Roma, have all refused to take part.
    Gavin Williamson said the Government is ready to slap sanctions on Super League clubsCredit: PA
    The PM hosted crisis talks with football’s governing bodies and fans’ groups today to plot a way to stop the new division in its tracks.
    At the meeting he reportedly said the Government “should drop a legislative bomb to stop it” from happening.
    In a statement No 10 said he had “reiterated his unwavering support for the football authorities and confirmed they have the government’s full backing to take whatever action necessary to put a stop to these plans”.
    It added: “The Prime Minister confirmed the government will not stand by while a small handful of owners create a closed shop.
    “He was clear that no action is off the table and the government is exploring every possibility, including legislative options, to ensure these proposals are stopped.”
    No 10 wants to force the six English clubs to back down and ditch the plans before it is forced to intervene.
    But if they don’t ministers are considering radical measures to clamp down on the European Super League and make it impossible to run.
    They could include bringing in new laws mandating German-style fan ownership of clubs and limiting business tycoons to minority shareholders.
    Officials are also looking at how they could use visa laws to ban those clubs involved from signing foreign players.
    And police support for crowd-control at matches could be withdrawn.
    Employment minister Mims Davies said: “I think it’s misjudged. I can see them climbing down. It feels like the right thing to do.
    “The banners I’ve seen from fans today say it all, so do continue this at your peril but the government’s against you and your fans are against.”
    How the European Super League would workTHE European Super League will be made up of fifteen ‘founder members’ – starting with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, United, City and Spurs from England, with Atletico and Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
    Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and PSG are likely to complete the list founders, who cannot be relegated.
    Five extra teams will be invited to compete each year with a provisional kick-off from the start of the 2022-23 season.
    Teams will be split into two groups of ten and play nine opponents home and away in a midweek league, with the top four from each group qualifying for end of season play-offs.
    United and Liverpool will bag up to £310m up front. The other four Prem teams would each get £200m.
    Total £4.6billion pot, initially backed by JP Morgan will mean a minimum £130m each year even if one of the ‘founders’ loses EVERY game.
    Overall winners could earn up to £212m extra if they win every game.

    Three of the English clubs involved in the breakaway are already said to be wavering after being stunned by the backlash from fans and politicians.
    Spurs chairman Daniel Levy asked the boss of Brighton to relay a message to a meeting of the remaining 14 Premier League clubs today that the plan was “not what I wanted, or expected”.
    But the rest of England’s top teams later issued a strong statement hinting at possible bans for the defectors if they don’t back down.
    And the new Super League is already facing the threat of legal action in both Britain and Europe that could kill it stone dead.
    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority said: “We will be carefully considering any competition concerns relating to these proposals.”
    And on the continent Ireland and France called for a united EU response, including the threat of new laws, to ban the project.
    Mr Williamson said today: “This Super League must be stopped because it’s just simply not fair, it’s not right.
    “Football is rooted in the communities that clubs have grown up in and it’s there for the fans.
    “This seems to have been dreamed up by moneymen as against football fans and that’s why the PM is so opposed to it.”
    The education secretary said the Government will be “putting all our support behind the FA and UEFA” as they battle to stop the breakaway.
    He insisted: “That’s the preferred option and we’d hope these clubs step back from the proposals they’ve put forward.”

    But he added “if they’re not successful in doing that we won’t hesitate to take further steps to ensure this European Super League won’t go ahead”.
    Pressed further, he said: “We’d look at every single option. You cannot be clearer about the Government’s commitment to ensure this doesn’t proceed. We would be willing to intervene if a solution isn’t found
    “The Government reserves its position to take any action that’s required including the need to take legislation, the need to take sanctions, in order to ensure we protect football interests in this country.”
    Boris Johnson releases video urging people to continue following rules as country opens up More