European Super League: Chelsea and Manchester City to withdraw from competition | UK News

Chelsea and Manchester City are set to withdraw from the European Super League, Sky News understands.

Man City said in a statement on Tuesday evening: “Manchester City football club can confirm that they have formally enacted the withdrawal procedures for the group which is making plans for a European Super League.”

As Chelsea prepare documents to officially withdraw, club owner Roman Abramovich understood he had motivated the decision, after listening to fan protests and opting out.

He will only leave four English clubs – Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham – in the breakaway competition, which has sparked a huge backlash since the plans were announced on Sunday.

Fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge to protest on Tuesday as police were forced to close roads and make a number of arrests, and match officials delayed the kick-off of Chelsea’s game against Brighton from 15 minutes.

Goalkeeper and reserve coach Petr Cech was seen outside the pitch, among protesters, calling for calm.

Fans grabbed signs reading “RIP football” and “No to the Super League” ahead of tonight’s game and cheered on hearing their club’s decision.

City manager Pep Guardiola had previously criticized plans for a “closed” league, as supporters of other clubs gathered outside stadiums across the country.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson tweeted on Tuesday night that “we don’t like it and we don’t want it to happen”, suggesting his side could be the next to step down.

Team time sponsor Tribus said they were leaving them because they “cannot support the club owners movement.”

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