Manchester United confirm withdrawal from controversial European Super League
As confirmed by the club’s official site, Manchester United have withdrawn from the European Super League.
The Red Devils were among six English clubs who had committed to the competition on Sunday. This decision was not well met and received widespread criticism from all corners.
With teams around them pulling out, the Red Devils too have followed suit and called it a night on their participation in the controversial competition. It is fair to say that there was little choice otherwise.
In their statement, the club admitted that their decision was influenced by the reaction from the fans, the United Kingdom government and other key stakeholders.
The club remains committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the sport today.
Perhaps as the first domino to fall, Ed Woodward too resigned from his post as executive vice-chairman at United yesterday. He will leave his current role at the club at the end of 2021.
Manufactured bravado?
Earlier yesterday Real Madrid and Super League president Fiorentino Perez threatened United against backing out of the Super League.
He revealed that the club had signed an agreement that was legally binding and could not back out of it. With his worst fear now coming to pass, it remains to be seen if he will undertake any further action.
His failure to act so far may well have called his bluff. After all, it isn’t just United but a number of teams he will have to take his fight to.
More Manchester United News
- Fans react as Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward steps down from Manchester United role
- Florentino Perez warns Manchester United against pulling out of Super League (ESL)
- Manchester United fans react as Marcus Rashford gives his verdict on the Super League
The very fact that these superclubs were forced to step down is a testament to fan power. The current situation represents an opportunity to clean the game if the authorities are serious about making wholesome changes. Whether it comes to pass remains to be seen.