West Brom 'wholly opposed' to Super League proposals

In a statement issued by Albion following the news of proposals involving a breakaway competition in which six English clubs would join 'leading' European sides in a new competition, the club have criticised the move as one that they cannot endorse.

The club also state that the six clubs involved have 'turned their backs' on English football, simultaneously 'dismissing' the future of the game across the footballing pyramid.

"As a founder member of The Football League in 1888, the club believes in the principles of fair competition; in allowing all fans to dream that this year could be their year, and with that, the knowledge that poor performance may bring the consequences of relegation." the statement read.

"A closed league is not one that any club outside of the so-called “big six” can endorse, and one it is apparent no genuine football fan – even if they follow one of those six teams - can support."

"The six Premier League clubs taking this step have turned their backs on English football, dismissing any concerns for the future of our game at all levels.

"To take away the dreams of millions of fans, and the opportunity for their respective clubs to earn success, cannot be allowed, and Albion will do everything within its power to preserve the integrity of competition the club helped establish 133 years ago.

"We stand alongside all clubs, players and supporters who believe in open competition, and understand that the future of English football is dependent on our collective strength to oppose these divisive and selfish plans."

The statement comes following a meeting held between the 14 top flight clubs not involved in the proposals, which would see some of Europe's 'largest' sides playing in mid-week fixtures in a league and knock-out format with no threat of relegation.

The Premier League have since issued a statement condemning the move, which sees a chasm split between some of English football's biggest teams.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City are all included in the proposals, with players, managers and pundits speaking out to criticise the idea.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan are the other sides so far included in proposals.

Albion are joined by the likes of Everton, Burnley and Brighton in issuing scathing statements regarding the competition, with the likes of Villa, Leeds and Wolves also criticising the idea on social media and in separate interviews.