Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid drop out of European Super League

The latest development comes after six English Premier League clubs pulled out of the competition on Tuesday

AC Milan players in a file photo; Credit: AC Milan Twitter
By Karthik Raman | Apr 21, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Atletico Madrid from Spain’s La Liga, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus from Italy’s Serie A are the latest clubs to drop out of the European Super League on Wednesday. The latest development comes as a huge blow to the controversial tournament even before it started. As of now, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are the only teams to be officially involved. These teams were part of the 12 founding members of the breakaway league announced on Sunday.

It received severe backlash from fans and former players. Many fans also participated in protests outside grounds in England. It resulted in six English clubs – Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – pulling out of the tournament on Tuesday.

AC Milan announced that, “The voices and the concerns of fans around the world have clearly been expressed about the Super League, and AC Milan must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport.”

Juventus followed moments later, saying, “While Juventus remains convinced of the soundness of the project’s sport, commercial and legal premises, it believes that at present there are limited chances that the project be completed in the form originally conceived,” the club said.

“Juventus remains committed to pursuing the creation of long-term value for the Company and the entire football industry.”

‘Harmony is essential’

Atletico Madrid said its decision was made after a board of directors’ meeting on Wednesday. “For the club, harmony is essential for everyone involved in the Red and White family, especially our fans,” it said. “The first team squad and its coach showed satisfaction with the club’s decision, understanding that sporting merits must prevail over any other criteria.”

Inter Milan said that the club was committed to delivering the best footballing experience for fans. “Our commitment with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change,” the Italian club said.

“Inter believe that football, like any sector of activity, must have an interest in constantly improving its competitions in order to continue to excite fans of all ages all over the world, within a framework of financial sustainability.”

UEFA on Monday had threatened to ban players from these participating teams from representing their national side in this year’s European Championship and next year’s World Cup.  





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