Manchester City are first team to officially pull out of Super League as UEFA hail move
City were one of 12 founding clubs of the tournament, which has enraged the football world and threatened to change the very fabric of the game, but have decided to scrap their involvement. Other members are expected to follow suit, with Chelsea Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid reported to be serving notice.
"Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League,” a short statement read on City’s website on Tuesday evening.
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Hide AdThe news was welcomed by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who said: “I am delighted to welcome City back to the European football family.
"They have shown great intelligence in listening to the many voices – most notably their fans – that have spelled out the vital benefits that the current system has for the whole of European football; from the world-beating Champions League final right down to a young player’s first coaching session at a grasroots club.
"As I said at the UEFA Congress, it takes courage to admit a mistake but I have never doubted that they had the ability and common sense to make that decision.
"City are a real asset to the game and I am delighted to be working with them for a better future for the European game.”
Chelsea are preparing official communication stating their intention to withdrawal from the Super League, while Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez – one of the lynchpins behind the plans – was reported to be holding crisis talks with members late on Tuesday night.