The news that long appeared inevitable leaked out Sunday morning, as it was revealed a dozen clubs have reportedly agreed to join a European Super League that would include 15 permanent members in a 20-team competition. The response has been universally negative, with statements from major footballing bodies vehemently condemning the potential league and even threats of players on those teams being barred from national team competitions. ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti, Nedum Onuoha and Julien Laurens react to the news and examine the impact of a potential Super League.
0:00 According to reports, 12 teams that could be involved in the competition are Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus.
0:18 Dan Thomas reads UEFA's statement cautioning potential entrants into the Super League that they could face banishment from other competitions.
0:59 Marcotti explains why the clubs interested in joining a Super League are not happy with the state of the UEFA Champions League.
3:19 Laurens says talk of a Super League feels different than it has in the past, and Sunday appears to be the start of an intense poker game between the parties involved.
4:47 Onuoha doesn't think the Super League will happen, but says he's not against powerful clubs pushing back against footballing bodies like FIFA and UEFA.
6:09 Marcotti says the poker is over, and he assesses what he calls a "philosophical issue" with clubs wanting to remain in their domestic leagues but also play in a breakaway competition.
#ESPNFC #ChampionsLeague #PremierLeague #SerieA #LaLiga #ManchesterUnited #ManchesterCity #Liverpool #Chelsea #Arsenal #Tottenham #ACMilan #Juventus #InterMilan #RealMadrid #AtleticoMadrid #Barcelona
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By ESPN FC
April 18, 2021
