The EFL has expressed its relief at the decision by six English Premier League teams to withdraw from plans to join a European Super League.

On Sunday evening it was announced that 12 teams throughout the continent had drawn up plans to form a breakaway division, from which none of the clubs could be relegated.

Included in the league were Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.

Those plans were met with wide criticism from most people within the game, including fans, journalists, pundits, managers and others.

On Tuesday evening a protest held outside Stamford Bridge by Chelsea fans, and soon after each of the English sides announced they were abandoning the project.

While that was going on, Watford were playing Norwich City in a crunch match at the top of the Championship, with the Hornets picking up a victory that has put them on the verge of returning to the Premier League where they would face those six sides next season.

The morning after, the EFL released their statement saying they welcomed the news.

It reads: "The EFL welcomes the decision made by six English Premier League teams to withdraw intentions to join a European Super League.

With widespread opposition met at home and abroad, including from the EFL, these divisive proposals threatened the sporting principles of the football pyramid that our founding members pioneered over a century ago.

Across the globe, people in and outside of the game spoke up when it counted. The EFL is heartened by the response and remain proud to be part of a unified footballing system that promotes open competition, gives everybody a chance to dream and continues to inspire generations of young people in the communities from where our Clubs take their name.

The message is clear that the pyramid must be protected above all. The European Super League failed in part due to a model of distorted and unfair financial distributions, a criticism that can also be levelled at the current financial model in our own domestic game.

The EFL hopes the same enthusiasm can be immediately directed to achieve appropriate and much needed change to the distribution of wealth in our domestic leagues, and we will work with all parties to push for this reform.

By resetting economically, we can support all Clubs in achieving a sustainable future, promoting the principles that so many have fought for.

Reforms must also consider UEFA’s own Champions League restructuring which pose an existential threat to our competitions, including the League Cup, which provides vital income to EFL Clubs and is the breeding ground for stars of the future.

The EFL will embrace the Government’s fan-led review and confirm we will contribute fully to help shape any decisions taken and ensure they are made in the best interests of supporters and the Clubs that we represent."