The proposed European Super League appears doomed for failure after Manchester City and Chelsea both headed for the exit door on the controversial breakaway competition.
The Premier League sides have walked away after a furious reaction from supporters across the globe who view the self-serving closed-shop as nothing more than a cash grab.
The 12-team league that also features three Spanish teams and three Italian sides has been lambasted across Europe.
Now both City and Chelsea - two teams rejuvenated by foreign investment over the past 20 years - have exited the venture.
Efforts to leave come just two days after both were announced as being part of the six English clubs to sign up to the controversial new competition.
Chelsea's impending exit was quickly followed by City and comes hours after manager Pep Guardiola admitted he didn't want the breakaway league to take place.
He said: "These teams have been selected, but I don’t know the reason why they are going to play this competition in the future.
"But it's not sport where the relationship between effort and success does not exist. It is not a sport where success is already guaranteed or it doesn’t matter where you lose.
"I said many times, I want the best competition. It is not fair when one team fight fight fight at the top and cannot be qualified because it is just for a few teams."
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham remain on board for now alongside Atletico Madrid, Inter and Milan, Real Madrid, Atletico and Barcelona.
However, Manchester United's commitment to the set-up has been plunged into doubt after the resignation of driving force Ed Woodward as chief executive.
Reports in Italy claim that Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli has left the club following the reaction of Seria A fans.
