Connect with us

AC Milan

ESL has split European teams apart

Italy’s top three teams have been split on their decision to take part in the European super league. 

Inter Milan became the first of the Italian teams to follow the English by pulling out. 

inter.it released a statement adding: “MILAN – FC Internazionale Milano confirm that the Club is no longer part of the Super League project. We are always committed to giving fans the best football experience; innovation and inclusion are part of our DNA since our foundation. Our engagement with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change. Inter believes that football, like every sector of activity, must have an interest in constantly improving its competitions, to keep on exciting fans of all ages around the world, within a framework of financial sustainability. With this vision we look forward to carry on working together with institutions and all stakeholders for the future of the sport we all love.”

On the other hand Inter’s rival’s AC Milan have also released a statement that does not give an ounce of clarity to their fans about what they will do but the fact they have not yet walked away shows where their loyalties lie. Their statement on acmilan.com read; 

“We accepted the invitation to participate in the Super League project with the genuine intention to deliver the best possible European competition for football fans around the world and in the best interest of the club and our own fans. Change is not always easy, but evolution is necessary for progress, and the structures of European football have evolved and changed over the decades. However, the voices and the concerns of fansaround the world have clearly been expressed about the Super League, and AC Milan must be sensitive to the voice of those who love this wonderful sport. We will continue to work hard to deliver a sustainable model for football.”

Juventus was the third team left and despite their previous owner stepping down, have refused to rule out their place in the super league despite their being hardly anyone left. A statement on Juventus.com states: 

“With reference to the press release published by Juventus Football Club S.p.A. on 19 April 2021, relating to the proposed creation of the Super League, and the ensuing public debate, the issuer clarifies to be aware of the request and intentions otherwise expressed by certain clubs to withdraw from this project, although the necessary procedures envisaged by the agreement among the clubs have not been completed. 

In this context, while Juventus remains convinced of the soundness of the project’s sport, commercial and legal premises, it believes that at present there are limited chances that the project be completed in the form originally conceived. Juventus remains committed to pursuing the creation of long-term value for the Company and the entire football industry.”

This move clearly shows that they have no intention of leaving yet as other teams around them have done so, and as the league seemingly is suspended, they would end up with no choice but to also walk away as a league is not a league with just three teams.

In a controversial move though Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG’s -(who are not in the ESL)- Chairman and CEO has been elected as the new ECA chairman as reported on the ECA twitter page, after Andrea Agnelli stepped down. 

Where that leaves PSG remains to be seen but one thing is for sure, you cannot have an ESL with just three teams regardless of if they are three of the top in Italy and Spain now can you.

More in AC Milan