Reports | Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid preparing to withdraw from the European Super League

European football was thrown into turmoil on Monday night after it was announced by 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs, that they had joined a Super League. This came on the day that UEFA decided to announce their reforms for the Champions League but the creation of Super League changed everything. The decision to create a closed league without the threat of relegation for the 12 founding members has fans, other clubs and critics seething.

However, the Athletic, the BBC and the Guardian have all reported that Chelsea are set to become the first of the 12 teams to withdraw from the Super League. This comes in light of fan protests outside Stamford Bridge ahead of the club’s league game against Brighton and Hove Albion. They’ve reportedly numbered in the thousands with the fans also blocking the team buses from entering.

The Athletic have further reported that Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has met with the players and staff to discuss the future of the proposals and what could happen going forward. Further, the reports also pointed out various sides, including Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and FC Barcelona are also pulling out of the competition.

Manchester City have released a statement confirming that they have started proceedings for them to withdraw from the Super League with reports indicating, from Simon Stone of BBC Sport, that all four remaining English clubs are set to withdraw. Further reports indicated that Arsenal and Liverpool are set to release statements soon.