Oliver Dowden praises teams withdrawing from European Super League

The Hertsmere MP previously stated that the government were working with the game’s authorities to ensure that the plans could not go ahead as suggested.

It has now emerged that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all withdrawn from the planned tournament.

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Mr Dowden praised the move from the major six clubs.

He previously stated that ministers were prepared to step in to protect the national game – had the clubs not withdrawn themselves.

He said: "Be in no doubt, if they can’t act, we will. We will put everything on the table to prevent this from happening.

"We are examining every option from governance to competition law to mechanisms that allow football to take place.

"We will be reviewing everything Government does to support these clubs to play. We will do whatever it takes to protect our national game."

Prime Minster Boris Johnson hailed the announcement of withdrawals as “the right result”.

He tweeted: “I welcome last night’s announcement.

“This is the right result for football fans, clubs, and communities across the country. We must continue to protect our cherished national game.”

The clubs’ intended exit comes swiftly after proposals for the new league, revealed on Sunday evening, triggered a wave of criticism from the football community as well as politicians.

The plans for the breakaway league were also “unanimously and vigorously” rejected by the other 14 members of the English top flight following a meeting on Tuesday.

Football fans opposing the European Super League outside Old Trafford in Manchester. Credit: PA

In a statement issued before most clubs had announced their intention to quit the new league, the Football Association (FA) welcomed the news that some clubs were withdrawing their support, highlighting that “the game has been unanimous in its disapproval of a closed league”.

It said the proposals “could have divided our game, but, instead, it has unified us all”.

Following the announcement, the Super League said it was considering "appropriate steps to reshape the project".

It said in a statement: "Despite the announced departure of the English clubs, forced to take such decisions due to the pressure put on them, we are convinced our proposal is fully aligned with European law and regulations as was demonstrated today [Tuesday] by a court decision to protect the Super League from third party actions.

"Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.

"The European Super League is convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change. We are proposing a new European competition because the existing system does not work.

"Our proposal is aimed at allowing the sport to evolve while generating resources and stability for the full football pyramid, including helping to overcome the financial difficulties experienced by the entire football community as a result of the pandemic."