Premier League condemns proposal to create European Super League following top flight meeting

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City were the six sides to commit to the plans, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid - in proposals which were revealed late on Sunday night.

In a statement issued by the Premier League, following a meeting with the 14 clubs not included in the proposal, they moved to condemn the situation, which they state 'attacks principles of open competition and sporting merit'.

"The Premier League condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid." the statement read.

"Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best. We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream.

"The Premier League is proud to run a competitive and compelling football competition that has made it the most widely watched league in the world. Our success has enabled us to make an unrivalled financial contribution to the domestic football pyramid.

"A European Super League will undermine the appeal of the whole game, and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future prospects of the Premier League and its member clubs, and all those in football who rely on our funding and solidarity to prosper.

"We will work with fans, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA, as well as other stakeholders, at home and abroad, to defend the integrity and future prospects of English football in the best interests of the game."

The statement comes as managers give their thoughts on the proposals, many for the first time, following the announcement, which could see English and European football dramatically changed.

The proposals stated that founding members of the Super League would become part of a new European competition played in mid-week, without the risk of relegation, whilst only five sides are able to qualify through sporting achievements.

The idea has been massively opposed by fans, governing bodies and pundits, with players also beginning to voice their thoughts via social media.

Clubs not included in the proposals have also began to criticise the situation, with Wolves jokingly declaring themselves Premier League champions over the 2018/19 season - a year in which they were the first team behind the six clubs included in the new competition.

Leeds also wore training tops featuring the phrase 'earn it' in relation to European football, ahead of their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Monday.

West Ham, Brighton and Everton are amongst the clubs who have gone on to issue their own statements criticising the move, whilst Aston Villa chief Christian Purslow has himself heavily slated the idea.

Marcus Rashford appeared to tweet his criticism towards the idea of the competition, posting a photo of a banner at Old Trafford featuring the quote from legendary manager Sir Matt Busby: "Football is nothing without fans".

Teammate Bruno Fernandes also appeared to criticise the move by sharing the phrase "Dreams can't be bought" on Instagram, in response to an initial post by Wolves forward Daniel Podence.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has called an emergency meeting with captains of fellow Premier League clubs to discuss a response to proposals regarding the Super League.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also shared his thoughts on the move, claiming that the idea 'is not sport'.

"It is not a sport if success is guaranteed or if it doesn’t matter when you lose. I have said many times I want a successful Premier League, not just one team at the top." he said.

"I don’t know if the statement will change and four or five teams will be able to go up."

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has told the football authorities that he is prepared to introduce new legislation to prevent the formation of a European Super League.

At a meeting with the FA and the Premier League, the Prime Minister voiced his "unwavering support" for their efforts to block the so-called Big Six clubs of the English game going ahead with the new breakaway competition.

Mr Johnson told the virtual meeting that the Government should "drop a legislative bomb" to prevent the proposal going ahead as planned, sources said.

"No action is off the table and we are exploring every possibility to ensure these proposals are stopped," the Prime Minister said after the meeting.

Downing Street said he expressed "solidarity" with the fans' groups, who were also represented at the meeting, saying they should be at the heart of any decisions about the future of the national game.

"The Prime Minister confirmed the Government will not stand by while a small handful of owners create a closed shop," a No 10 statement said, adding that he was clear "legislative options" are among those being explored.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the party would back any legislation the Government brought forward to prevent the Super League going ahead.

"This is about willpower now. If the Government is determined to do something about it we will back them. There is no block in Parliament to action if action is needed," he said.

More than 95 per cent of local fans believe that the proposals are a bad idea in a poll conducted by the Express & Star this week.