Preston North End slam European Super League plan as a 'wealth power grab'

Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid announced on Sunday night they had come to an agreement to establish the competition.

Such a plan has huge ramifications for the whole of the football pyramid and the plan has received widespread condemnation.

North End on Monday morning added their name to opposition to the establishment of the elite league which would have 20 clubs - the 12 'founder' clubs already announced, three more founder clubs to be added soon and then five more who play based on the previous season's achievements.

A statement released on PNE's official website read: "We have noted with disappointment the suggestion that a European Super League be formed as a means of concentrating yet more wealth into the hands of the few.

"Those English clubs who feel that such an attempt at a wealth power grab, thereby undermining and potentially destroying the English football pyramid, should look themselves in the mirror.

"If one takes the status of these so called big six over a longer time frame than just the formation of the Premier League it would take a wise person to guess at who these so called top six are.

"Over a sustained historic period, the suggestion that these clubs have been at the forefront of domestic trophy winning or domination doesn’t stand the test of scrutiny.

"Performance on the field of play with promotion and relegation and qualification for European competition based on winning football matches is a fundamental part of European football history.

"Having just experienced the devastating financial impact of COVID on football finances, English football urgently needs a fairer distribution of monies throughout the Leagues not a money power grab by the self-appointed few.

"There is already a huge disparity between the finances available to the top 20 clubs rather the rest of the football pyramid and many are in dire financial straits. This breakaway could destroy nearly 150 years of football history for short term riches for the few.

"The underlying principle that these breakaway clubs appear to have completely disregarded is that football is most importantly about its supporters. This European Super League plan has totally ignored their voice which is unacceptable.

"We are looking to Government, FIFA, UEFA, The FA, The Premier League and the EFL to ensure that this proposal is stopped in its tracks and the future of the English game as a whole is secured."

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