Celtic are not the only club speaking out against European Super League proposals and backing UEFA this afternoon with more than seven other big sides releasing statements.
Following a ruling from the European Court of Justice regarding UEFA’s handling of the ill-fated 2021 breakaway, the concept of an ESL has been thrust back into the headlines on Thursday.
However, Celtic have made their stance clear. They are fully in on a European future involving UEFA and the European Club Association with chairman Peter Lawwell having close ties to both with official posts.
It seems the European club community is stacking up in opposition to the latest ESL proposals which involve 64 teams and three divisions.
Manchester United and Atletico Madrid not tempted by Super League
Notably, two of the original group of clubs that proposed a breakaway two years ago have also spoken out against a future ESL, as reported by 90min.com.
Manchester United said: “Our position has not changed. We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid stated: “The European football community does not support the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. oppose the Super League. We advocate for protecting the broader European football family, preserving domestic leagues, and securing qualification for European competitions through on-field performance each season.”
Bayern Munich labelled the proposals “an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the structure of European football”, while Borussia Dortmund offered a firm “regardless of the discussions surrounding the verdict, the following applies: we are not available for a Super League” stance.
Italian clubs Roma and Inter Milan have spoken up, too, both citing their desire to continue working with the ECA and UEFA, just like Celtic.
Megarich side Paris Saint-Germain also gave the latest proposals a wide berth, rejecting any so-called Super League.
With so many clubs falling into line with UEFA, and more joining the chorus as the minutes and hours tick by, it appears the current ESL proposals are doomed.
More likely the continental scene will change dramatically over the next decade within the governing body’s framework, starting with next season’s edition of the Champions League.
In other news, Aberdeen chairman cites Celtic with ‘change forever’ verdict after European Super League ruling.
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