The big six English clubs that agreed to join a breakaway European Super League have settled to pay a combined fee of £22 million as part of a settlement with the Premier League. In an official statement, Premier League explained the current punishment and possible consequences in the future if a similar breakaway league is formed.
“As a gesture of goodwill, the clubs have collectively agreed to contribute £22 million which will go towards the good of the game, including new investment in support for fans, grassroots football, and community programs. Furthermore, the clubs have agreed to support rule changes so that any similar actions in the future would lead to a 30-point deduction. Each of the six clubs, in that event, would also be subject to an additional £25 million fine.”
The 12-team Super League — which included Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur from the Premier League — was announced in April to widespread condemnation. All six Premier League teams involved withdrew from the competition 48 hours later but, even the conception of such an idea and its possibilities shook the very roots of European football.
Atletico Madrid, Milan, and Inter Milan followed Premier League clubs in withdrawing from the league. Meanwhile, Juventus, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are the only clubs still officially involved in the Super League
All the owners of the six clubs have said they would front this cost themselves as opposed to dipping into club resources. Each club signed a binding legal agreement that committed them to the Super League for at least three years. It is understood, they will have to pay a withdrawal fee for their early exit.
While the current punishment may or may not be significant enough, the likeliness of a similar scheme happening again in the distant future is very concerning. The European Super League’s legacy would require a lot more actions or a complete restructure across various leagues in Europe. Experts and fan associations agree that an independent regulator has to be in place, fans must have genuine power, and consider wealth distribution so that the European Super League remains a past nightmare.