Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli says the European Super League (ESL) project cannot go ahead with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid joining six Premier League clubs to withdraw.
Agnelli was one of the leading architects of the separation schemes, which included 12 clubs from England, Spain and Italy. Barcelona and Real Madrid are yet to comment.
“To be honest and honest no, that’s obviously not true,” said Agnelli, about whether the ESL could still happen.
“I’m still convinced of the beauty of that project, of the value it would have developed for the pyramid, of creating the best competition in the world, but obviously not. I do not believe that that project is now in place. ”
Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan announced their withdrawal on Wednesday morning, followed by statements from AC Milan and Juventus.
Agnelli was described as a “snake and a liar” by Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin on Monday after the announcement of the separation plans on Sunday night.
The Juventus chairman resigned from his post as chairman of the European Clubs Association on Sunday and refused to take calls from Ceferin.
In a statement, Juventus said that there was “a limited chance that the project will be completed in its original conceived form” but that the club “remains convinced of the soundness of the project’s sports, commercial and legal building”.
The six Premier League clubs that participated withdrew within hours of each other on Tuesday following a furious backlash against the plans.
Manchester City were the first club to pull out after Chelsea signaled their intention to do so by preparing documentation to withdraw.
Then four other English sides – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham – followed suit late Tuesday night.
Announcing their withdrawal on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid said that “harmony was essential” between the club and supporters, and added that first-team squad and coach Diego Simeone supported their decision because ” the merits of sport override any other criteria ”.
In their statement, Serie A side Inter Milan said they were “committed to giving fans the best football experience”, adding: “Our engagement with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never be is changing. ”
AC Milan said “the voices and concerns of fans around the world are clearly expressed” about the plans and the club must “be sensitive to the voice of those who love this amazing sport”.
The 12-team Super League was announced Sunday to widespread condemnation.
“Despite the announced departure of English clubs, who were forced to make such decisions because of the pressure placed on them, we are convinced that our proposal is fully in line with European law and regulations,” the ESL said earlier Wednesday, adding that he was “convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change”.
“Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists on the idea of keeping the group together to push for change,” said Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
“Barcelona say they have agreed to the ESL, but only if it is approved by the assembly of season ticket holders, which could be a way out for them.” (BBC Sport)