May 4 – The English Premier League has taken action to prevent its clubs threatening to break away again and join any future European Super League.
Under new rules, clubs must sign up to an owners’ charter, committing them to the core principles of the league.
Six Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Liverpool, announced last month they were joining a European Super League, only for the project to collapse within 48 hours.
The Premier League has now put in place a new set of measures to stop any future attempt of a breakaway and is enlisting the support of the British government to bring in “appropriate legislation” and working alongside UEFA and English football bodies to ensure breaches will be subject to significant sanctions.
“The actions of a few clubs cannot be allowed to create such division and disruption,” a Premier League statement read.
“We are determined to establish the truth of what happened and hold those clubs accountable for their decisions and actions. We and The FA are pursuing these objectives quickly and appropriately, consulting with fans and Government.”
It insisted events during the last two weeks had “challenged the foundations and resolve of English football” and said the new regulations being imposed were “to protect our game, our clubs and their fans from further disruption and uncertainty.”
Meanwhile the English Football Association revealed an official inquiry into the formation of the ESL and the involvement of the six English clubs got under way last week.
“Since we became aware of the European Super League our priority and focus has been on preventing it from happening, both now and in the future,” a spokesman said.
“We wrote to all of the clubs to formally request all relevant information and evidence regarding their participation. Once we have the required information, we will consider what appropriate steps to take.”
“Throughout this period, we have been in ongoing discussions with the Government, the Premier League and UEFA. In particular, we have been discussing legislation with Government that would allow us to prevent any similar threat in the future so that we can protect the English football pyramid.”
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