Manchester United’s Co-Chairman Joel Glazer says the new Super League will ‘open a new chapter for European football’ after they became one of 12 founding members of the breakaway league.
After rumours had swirled throughout Sunday, the group of renegade European giants confirmed in a statement that they had created a new competition to rival the UEFA Champions League.
‘Twelve of Europe’s leading football clubs have today come together to announce they have agreed to establish a new mid-week competition, the Super League,’ read a statement.
The new competition will include the Premier League’s ‘big six’ – Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham – along with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter.
But the Premier League and the FA – along with Spain and Italy’s governing bodies – have issued a threat to ban the Super League founders from domestic competition should they continue with their breakaway plans.
United’s owners, the Glazers, were believed to be one of the driving forces behind the new league, which will see all 12 founding teams share £3billion immediately.
Despite the possible sanctions that could be imposed on the Premier League’s breakaway ‘big six’, United chief Joel Glazer has defended the new competition and claims it is a big step forward.
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‘By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football,’ said the United owner, who has already been appointed Vice-Chairman of the Super League.
‘[It will] ensure world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.’
United confirmed their participation in the Super League on their official social media channels, sharing the joint-statement which was made on behalf of all the 12 founding clubs.
However, the decision goes against Sir Alex Ferguson’s view on a new European Super League, with the United legend having released a statement saying he was totally against it.
