There was a big twist in the European Super League saga on Tuesday after it was reported that Premier League clubs Manchester City have withdrawn from participating in the European Super League (ESL), while Chelsea has started the process to withdraw.
This is coming just two days after it was revealed that both clubs were part of the English super six clubs that were part of the breakaway competition.
In total, twelve European clubs were hoping to start a European league that will rival the UEFA Champions League.
However, the competition has been trailed by controversies and a lack of acceptance from fans and sections of the media.
Protests have happened at various Premier league grounds, including Elland Road on Monday in Leeds United 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
Furthermore, before Chelsea’s home fixture against Brighton on Tuesday, around 1,000 fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge to protest the involvement of Chelsea in the competition.
Already, football bodies, UEFA and FIFA have threatened to ban participating clubs from their competitions and Super League players from the World Cup, among many other sanctions.
According to the reports, both clubs were not part of the driving force for the League but only joined so as not to be left out.
Meanwhile, reports say that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic chose to withdraw due to the negative reaction and reception to the competition.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham have also decided to withdraw from the proposed competition following widespread criticism.
Subsequently, the Blues failed to defeat Brighton on Tuesday evening after playing a 0-0 in the aftermath of the protest in front of Stamford Bridge.
The result puts the Blues in the fourth position above West Ham on goals difference.
Chelsea will face West Ham next in a London derby in the Premier League, while Brighton, who sits in 16th position to face relegated Sheffield United.
Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu
