The Premier League have issued a veiled threat to the European Super League breakaway clubs, reminding them of their responsibilities under the rules of the organisation.
In a meeting of the 14 Premier League clubs who are not part of the newly founded ESL, there was agreement to “unanimously and vigorously reject the plans for the competition”.
A statement from the league said: “The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those shareholders involved to account under its rules.
“The league will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, Uefa, the FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.
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“The Premier League would like to thank fans and all stakeholders for the support they have shown this week on this significant issue.
“The reaction proves just how much our open pyramid and football community means to people.”
The mention of “holding shareholders to account” appears to refer to Premier League rule L.9, under which no Premier League club can enter an unsanctioned competition without the prior written approval of the Premier League Board of Directors, who have the power to expel clubs through their disciplinary procedure.
The plans have already been rejected this week by both Uefa and Fifa presidents, who have threatened legal action including expulsion from other tournaments and the banning of players from international football.
Players within those Premier League clubs involved have also begun to break cover with Liverpool’s James Milner telling Sky Sports on Monday night that “I don’t like it and don’t want it to happen”.
On Tuesday, the Daily Mail claim that Reds captain Jordan Henderson had called an emergency meeting of Premier League captains to discuss the new tournament.
That follows on from a briefing led by his Manchester United counterpart Harry Maguire with the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes had already posted an image on Instagram to suggest that he was not in support of the Super League and teammate Marcus Rashford joined him on Tuesday, leaving no doubt as to his position.
The forward posted a picture of a banner over seats at Old Trafford bearing a quote from Sir Matt Busby that reads “football is nothing without fans”, echoing the t-shirts worn by Leeds United’s players on Monday night ahead of their clash with Liverpool.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3tA87FX
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