British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the government will do everything it can to make sure the new European Super League “doesn't go ahead in the way that it's currently being proposed,'' calling the plans "very damaging for football,'' Sky News reports.
He said he would work with football authorities opposed to the move, adding: "I don't think that it's good news for fans, I don't think it's good news for football in this country."
He said: "These clubs are not just great global brands - of course they're great global brands - they're also clubs that have originated historically from their towns, from their cities, from their local communities, they should have a link with those fans, and with the fan base in their community."
Johnson said the six Premier League clubs involved "must answer to their fans" before deciding to launch the breakaway competition.
Twelve of Europe's leading football clubs have agreed to establish a Super League, despite criticism of the plans from fans, former footballers, managers, and the football authorities.
A statement from the new competition said: "AC Milan, Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined as founding clubs.
"It is anticipated that a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable."
Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid and the first chairman of the SUper League, said: "We will help football at every level and take it to its rightful place in the world.
"Football is the only global sport in the world with more than four billion fans and our responsibility as big clubs is to respond to their desires."
The project is being launched to rival UEFA's Champions League format which currently dominates European football - and the announcement came a day before UEFA was due to sign off on plans for an expanded and restructured tournament.-Photo: Sky News
