Manchester City have confirmed their withdrawal from the proposed European Super League, leaving the controversial tournament in tatters within 48 hours of being announced.
Condemnation of the project, which drew the ire of fans, players, coaches, federations and national governments, was near universal following Sunday’s rollout, which detailed how the Premier League’s ‘big six’ would be founder members of the Super League alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Milan and Inter.
The close-shop element of the league was noted as being contrary to European football’s traditions of fair competition – an observation made by City manager Pep Guardiola on Tuesday, among many others.
Speculation mounted as a dramatic day progressed, with Chelsea also thought to be ready to pull the plug.
A short statement issued from the other side of town read: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League.”
Moments after City confirmed their withdrawal, a statement from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin welcomed the Champions League semi-finalists “back into the European football family”.
“They have shown great intelligence in listening to the many voices – most notably their fans – that have spelled out the vital benefits that the current system has for the whole of European football; from the world-beating Champions League final right down to a young player’s first coaching session at a grassroots club.
“As I said at the UEFA Congress, it takes courage to admit a mistake but I have never doubted that they had the ability and common sense to make that decision.
“City are a real asset for the game and I am delighted to be working with them for a better future for the European game.”
Speaking earlier on Tuesday, ostensibly to preview his team’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, Guardiola become the first person associated with City to speak publicly on the matter of the European Super League and left little doubt where he stood on a concept he described as an affront to sporting competition.