Doomed: European Super League on brink of collapse amid hints of withdrawal
Plans for the European Super League are in tatters tonight, with Chelsea and Manchester City preparing to split from the breakaway competition.
In Spain, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly distancing themselves from the project that was designed to give its founding members a permanent seat at the continent's top table.
The English Premier League duo are two of 'Big Six' English clubs that signed up to the project, announced on Sunday, alongside Manchester United, Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter, Juventus and Spanish club Real Madrid.
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However, amid growing fan unrest at the proposal, reports emerged that the west London club are preparing to step away from the plot concocted by the 12 European clubs. City have since confirmed that they plan to walk away.
A short statement released by the club 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."
Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has resigned from his role at the club
It followed the revelation that Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward had resigned from his role. United were one of the main drivers behind the Super League concept.
It’s understood that Woodward was planning to go at the end of the year -– and will stay in his role until then –- but the announcement has been brought forward. The club confirmed the news following the closing of the New York stock exchange on Tuesday night.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to withdraw from the new European league plans.
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Protest: Chelsea fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge to state their disapproval
Abramovich's motivations are thought never to have been about money, and the Blues are now understood to be preparing documents to withdraw formally from the competition.
Stamford Bridge chiefs were only thought to have signed up as a founder member of the Super League in order not to be left behind by the rogue breakaway.