With the various restrictions made in the European Super League, the teams took a surprising turn. Six English clubs announce withdrawing participation from this league. The sudden exit could be a downfall for the ESL this year. Although the European Super League contains multiple clubs across Europe, the intense restraints UEFA placed did not bring positive feedback. 

Manchester City and Manchester United

Aside from the rivalry, these two clubs agree on the same idea. Both clubs announce their withdrawal from ESL after gaining tremendous backlash. Being one of the first clubs to withdraw, Manchester City publicly reveals their leave. Along with releasing a public statement, Head Manager of Man. City, Pep Guardiola uncovers his perspective regarding the ESL. “It is not a sport where success is already guaranteed, it is not a sport where it doesn’t matter when you lose.” Guardiola’s press conference was cut short after expressing how uncomfortable he felt with answering questions regarding the league.

Along with City, Manchester United soon had a change of heart towards ESL. After only two days of co-chairman Joel Glazer confirming their participation, Man. United chose another route. As the vice-chairman Ed Woodward resigning from United, the club begins their change. With the voices of angry fans, politicians, and other football figures about this breakaway league, they decide to part ways. Fans planned a mass protest during their games against Leeds United and Liverpool. If United did not make the quick decision to leave ESL, they would still be in heavy circumstances.

Arsenal and Tottenham Spurs

Alongside the Manchester clan’s decision, Spurs and Arsenal give their exit. As the Spurs announced their leave, chairman Daniel Levy gave some words to the public. Levy expresses his regret and acknowledges the upset and anxiety caused by the league’s proposal. With the thought of developing a new structure to football, the terms were not entirely agreed upon for their players. “We believe that we should never stand still and that the sport should constantly review competitions and governance to ensure the game we all love continues to evolve and excite fans around the world.”

Arsenal could not stand the heat after the incredible drama of being a part of the leagues choices and demands. With similar backlash to Man. United, Arsenal fans were displeased with the club’s verdict in continuing with the breakaway league. Arsenals board did not expect the negativity, but merely looking to keep up with changes and what is best for the club. In turn, they realize that this was not to appropriate move for the club’s future.

Chelsea and Liverpool

While realizing the severities of ESL, Chelsea quickly withdrew their participation around the same time Man. City made their exit. When fans heard the news of Chelsea joining ESL, they continued to protest their adoring team’s decision. Without fail, the people have spoken out and have been heard. While fans continue protesting outside the Stamford Bridge, they threaten to halt the club’s bus before their game against Brighton. Real Madrid President and ESL President Florentino Perez lashes back saying Chelsea cannot leave due to binding contract. Chelsea admits their mistake in joining ESL the very last week. Dangerous for them to overshadow their efforts during the pandemic, the fight against racism and antisemitism, they continue to opt out.

As commotion stirs the streets, Liverpool announces their withdrawal, leaving all English teams to opt out of the league. Avoiding any further drama, Liverpool calmly announces their plans of forming and joining the ESL have been discontinued. The club says, “In recent days, the club has received representations from various key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions.”

While the six teams make their statements, Florentino Perez and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin think this is a big mistake. While Perez believes this league is to attract younger generations to better football, Ceferin agrees to continue forming the league’s plans. Ceferin says, “The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together.” With the strenuous activity remaining, the league will pause the project to reconsider the correct steps forward to being successful.