Ed Woodward has resigned as Manchester United executive vice-chairman as the European Super League plans are collapsing tonight – with Manchester City withdrawing.
City have not yet commented, but it is understood they have withdrawn their involvement in the controversial scheme, along with a number of the other 12 founding members. Similarly, United are yet to comment on Woodward’s resignation, which will see him remain in his post until the end of 2021.
The proposed league would have seen Europe’s self-entitled ‘leading clubs’ never face relegation from the competition in what is being labeled as a ‘closed shop.’ If the Super League did come to fruition, it would be catastrophic for the Champions League as the majority of the biggest clubs would no longer compete in the tournament. The plans have been widely condemned, with fans, pundits and politicians uniting against the proposals.
United defender Luke Shaw had previously issued a statement criticising the plans, while Marcus Rashford shared a picture of Sir Matt Busby’s quote that ‘football is nothing without fans. Pep Guardiola earlier said ‘sport is not sport whensuccess is already guaranteed’, and Kevin De Bruyne condemned the lack of competition in the plans.
