Manchester United join European giants in reaffirming stance on European Super League

Manchester United have pledged their commitment to the Premier League and UEFA, amid the renewed prospect of a European Super League (ESL).

On Thursday morning, the chances of an ESL being created were boosted after judges ruled that UEFA and FIFA rules banning breakaway competitions were contrary to EU law.

A ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said that UEFA acted illegally and were “abusing a dominant position” by blocking the formation of the ESL in 2021.

Breakaway clubs including United tried to form an ESL in 2021, but it quickly collapsed and only two sides - Barcelona and Real Madrid - are still publicly backing the project.

The door to it being revisited has now reopened, but United have quickly distanced themselves from an ESL.

In a statement, Manchester United said: “Our position has not changed.

“We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”

Atletico Madrid, who were also one of the original 12 clubs that would have formed the ESL in 2021, have distanced themselves too.

In a statement, they said: “Atletico de Madrid, after analysing the ruling of the European Court of Justice, would like to express the following:

“1. The resolution regarding the framework for prior authorisation of other competitions refers to outdated UEFA statutes that were already amended in June 2022.

“2. The European Club Association (ECA) and UEFA have established a partnership that renders the consideration of UEFA as a monopoly meaningless. Through agreements within this joint venture, clubs decide 50 per cent on the sale of sponsorship and television rights, revenue distribution, and competition formats.

"3. The European football community does not support the European Super League. Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc oppose the Super League. We advocate for protecting the broader European football family, preserving domestic leagues, and securing qualification for European competitions through on-field performance each season.”

Bayern Munich, who have always been strongly opposed to an ESL, were quick to hit out at the prospect of it being relaunched.

Jan-Christian Dreesen, Bayern CEO and vice-chairman of the ECA, said: “We have taken note of the judgement of the European Court of Justice.

“However, this does not change FC Bayern’s and the ECA’s position that such a competition would be an attack on the importance of the national leagues and the structure of European football.

“The Bundesliga is the foundation of FC Bayern, just as all national leagues are the foundation of other European football clubs. It is therefore our duty and our deep conviction to strengthen them, not to weaken them.

“We are also committed to the European club competitions under the umbrella of UEFA. So let me make it very clear once again that the door for the Super League remains closed at FC Bayern.”