The withdrawal of the six Premier League teams from the proposed European Super League is the “right result for football fans, clubs and communities across the country”, the prime minister has said.
Welcoming the withdrawal of Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United from the controversial competition, Boris Johnson said: “We must continue to protect our cherished national game.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sky News that it was a “victory for fans” and “the country has been united in condemning these proposals”.
“We were willing to take very very bold measures to stop this proposal going ahead,” he said.
Mr Dowden added that it was “very important that we don’t see this as the end of the process”, saying: “What this has highlighted more than ever is the need to look at the wider governance of football.”
He said a government review announced on Monday will continue and examine “how we address football governance, football finance and indeed the whole fan experience”.
In light of the English clubs’ withdrawal, the Super League said it was considering “appropriate steps to reshape the project”.
It said in a statement: “Despite the announced departure of the English clubs, forced to take such decisions due to the pressure put on them, we are convinced our proposal is fully aligned with European law and regulations as was demonstrated today [Tuesday] by a court decision to protect the Super League from third party actions.
“Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.
“The European Super League is convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change. We are proposing a new European competition because the existing system does not work.
“Our proposal is aimed at allowing the sport to evolve while generating resources and stability for the full football pyramid, including helping to overcome the financial difficulties experienced by the entire football community as a result of the pandemic.”