(CNN Spanish) -
Manchester City was the first team, of the so-called 12 founders of the Super League, to step aside.
As a domino effect, Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool also quit the tournament soon after.
Just 48 hours after announcing the creation of the tournament, City were the first of England's six to withdraw from an initiative that shocked the football world.
In its official statement, City made its decision known without elaborating on explanations.
"Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League."
Club statement.https: //t.co/GeNQZn8091
- Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021
Hours after City's announcement, Tottenham joined the tournament.
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"We confirm that we have formally started the procedures to withdraw from the group developing the proposal for a European Super League (ESL)," he said.
We can confirm that we have formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the group developing proposals for a European Super League (ESL). # THFC ⚪️ #COYS
- Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021
Manchester United was also in favor of withdrawing, assuring in a statement that after listening to their followers, the British government and their shareholders, they decided not to participate in the European Super League.
We will not be participating in the European Super League. # MUFC
- Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2021
They were joined by Liverpool, who announced that the club "can confirm that our participation in the proposed plans to form a European Super League has been discontinued."
Arsenal, meanwhile, was the only team to apologize and acknowledge their mistake in having participated in the idea of this tournament.
«As a result of listening to you and the football community in recent days, we have decided to withdraw from the Super League proposal.
We made a mistake and we apologize for that, ”they added.
As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League.
We made a mistake, and we apologize for it.
- Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2021
Chelsea was not going for money
As a source close to the club told CNN, the Chelsea leadership spent the past two days discussing the situation with their stakeholders, the community and supporters and decided that they cannot part ways and join the Super League if the fans are not interested. In it.
"It's never been about the money," the source told CNN.
He added that Chelsea's intention to join the Super League was based on a desire to improve the game, a priority for the club's owner, Roman Abramovich.
UEFA's reaction
For his part, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin welcomed Manchester City's withdrawal from the project.
“I am delighted to welcome City back to the European football family.
They have shown great intelligence in listening to the voices, especially of their fans, who have explained the vital benefits that the current system has for all of European football;
from the world triumph in the final of the Champions League to the first training session of a young player in a grassroots club.
As I said in the UEFA Congress, it takes courage to admit a mistake, but I have never doubted that they had the ability and common sense to make that decision.
City are a real asset to the game and I am delighted to be working with them for a better future for European football, ”Ceferin said.
Shaking at Manchester United
Manchester United, also one of the 12 founders of the Super League, announced Tuesday that Executive Vice President Ed Woodward will step down from office at the end of 2021.
(Photo Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images) Woodward joined United in 2005 and became Executive Vice President in 2012.
“I am very proud to have served United and it has been an honor to work for the largest soccer club in the world for the past 16 years.
The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to leave at the end of the year, "said the leader in a farewell statement.
Chelsea FCManchester CityManchester UnitedSuper LeagueSuperligaUEFA
