The ‘big six’ have all reportedly signed up to a new European competition
Gary Neville has suggested the six English clubs that have signed a letter of intent backing proposals for a so-called European Super League should be docked points.
It was announced on Sunday that Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City have all reportedly signed up to the breakaway plan, just a day before UEFA is set to announce their plans for a revamp of the Champions League.
The Premier League has been quick to criticise the plans, saying that it “‘condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit.”
Speaking on commentary duty during for Sky Sports during Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Burnley, Gary Neville launched a scathing attack on the rumours.
The former United defender said: “It’s an absolute scandal. Any clubs that have agreed to it should be ashamed of themselves.
“European Super League? Are Arsenal in that? They’ve just drawn with Fulham! Man United are drawing with Burnley!
“I cannot concentrate on the game. To sign up to the Super League during a season is a joke, they should deduct points off all six of them.”
In the studio, fellow pundit and Man United legend Roy Keane said: “I think it comes down to money, greed.
“Obviously we’ve heard nothing from FIFA yet but it doesn’t sound good. Let’s hope it’s stopped in its tracks.
“We talk about the big clubs. Bayern Munich are one of the biggest clubs in the world – at least they’ve made a stand, which is a good start.”
Meanwhile Micah Richards, who was also on punditry duty, labelled the news as “an absolute disgrace.”
After the game, Neville described the idea of a super league as “a criminal act against football fans in this country.” He blasted the teams involved, saying: “Deduct them points, deduct them money and punish them!”
🗣 "It's a criminal act against football fans in this country." 🤬@GNev2 is furious with the big six clubs signing up to the 'European Super League' pic.twitter.com/eXZDyzovJg
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 18, 2021
The new plans for a super league would revolve around 15 core members who would be guaranteed more European matches than they would be in the Champions League, and would be able to generate more broadcast revenue from the tournament.
Revealed: Some more details emerging of the European Super League project, which is expected to be announced later – my understanding is that the financing package being provided by JP Morgan has been reduced slightly to around $5bn – still a huge sum for Europe's top clubs.
— Mark Kleinman (@MarkKleinmanSky) April 18, 2021
However the FA has come out and described the plans as “damaging to all English and European football at all levels.”
A statement released by the FA read: “The FA has been made aware of certain English clubs planning to form a closed European Super League with other European clubs. It is clear that this would be damaging to English and European football at all levels and will attack the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are fundamental to competitive sport.”
The statement went on to say that players taking part in any new tournament “may not be permitted to participate in any official competition which falls within the auspices of FIFA or their respective confederation.”
