Nine of the twelve defected members of the short-lived Premier League returned to the European Club Association (ECA) on Monday. Spain’s top clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid as well as Italian record champion Juventus remain outside the influential group – as they will continue to support their Europa League project in the future.
The European Club Association announced the resumption of matches at Atletico Madrid, Milan and Inter Milan, in addition to six English clubs: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham. According to the ECA, these clubs have recognized that the Premier League is “not in the interest of the entire football community”.
In April, twelve European clubs announced the idea of the Premier League. UEFA has strongly criticized the “apostates” and threatened to impose wide-ranging sanctions. Under great pressure from the public, the idea of the Premier League has fizzled out – less than 48 hours after it was announced.
On Monday, ECA spoke of an “unfortunate and turbulent cycle of European football” and praised the clubs’ readiness to “work actively with ECA to develop European club football – in the open and transparent interest of all, not just a few.”
Barcelona, Real and Juventus have stuck to their idea of the Premier League and have lodged a complaint with the European Court of Justice. There it must be decided whether UEFA abused its dominant position. (SID/MAM)
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