European Super League: West Midlands Mayor vows to support Government to try to stop breakaway competition

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has vowed to work with the Government to stop football's hugely-controversial European Super League from going ahead.

Mr Street labelled the proposals "absolutely appalling" and said he had reached out to the region's clubs "at all levels" to reassure them of his support.

The plans for the Super League have sent shockwaves through English football and, if finalised, would see Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham join the new competition, of which they would be permanent members and not need to qualify.

It has sparked outrage among supporters of clubs at all levels amid accusations it goes against the integrity and fairness which has largely underpinned the game for more than a century.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Keir Starmer are among senior figures to have raised concerns about the proposals.

In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Street said it was "blindingly obvious" the formation of the league would have a "serious detrimental impact" on the football pyramid and those outside the so-called big six, including Wolves, West Brom and Aston Villa. His election rival, Labour's Liam Byrne, also called the plans a "complete betrayal".

Villa's chief executive Christian Purslow slammed the move as a "grotesque concept".

The mayor said on Twitter: "Proposals for a European Super League are absolutely appalling and we must stand together to stop them.

"Creating a closed competition that serves only the wealthiest clubs goes against the very essence of fair play in sport, and shuts the door on all other clubs aspiring to be part of the game’s elite.

"It is blindingly obvious that a super league will have a serious detrimental impact on the English football pyramid and those Premier League clubs outside the so-called ‘big six’.

"I have therefore already reached out to clubs at all levels across the West Midlands and told them I will do all I can to fight the plans working with Government.

"Having met with our regional clubs several times during the pandemic, I stand ready to support them again over these disgraceful super league proposals.

"Football does not belong to super-rich foreign owners looking to make yet more money, it belongs to the fans.

"Those fans who follow their club through thick and thin and who, prior to the pandemic, spent their hard-earned wages following their team up and down the country.

"These proposals are an affront to them, and must be stopped."