The European Super League was announced in April 2021 with twelve founding members that included some of the biggest football clubs in Europe. These founding members were: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan.
The proposal faced immediate backlash from fans, football associations, and governments across Europe. Within 48 hours of the announcement, all six English clubs withdrew from the competition following widespread protests from their supporters. Shortly after, Atletico Madrid and the three Italian clubs also announced their withdrawal, leaving only Real Madrid and Barcelona as remaining founding members.
The European Super League controversy highlighted the importance of fan engagement and traditional football structures in European football. The failed launch demonstrated that football clubs cannot operate without considering the voices of their supporters and the broader football community. |
