The Premier League has issued fines to the six rebel clubs involved in plans for a breakaway European Super League.
A financial settlement worth a combined £22m has been reached between the six English clubs and the Premier League after they “acknowledged once again that their actions were a mistake”.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all revealed their planned participation in the competition in April, but the tournament fell apart in a matter of days following widespread criticism in the footballing world.
Fans took part in mass protests, while players, coaches and pundits expressed their opposition to the idea, which would have seen the six Premier League clubs join six other teams from Europe in the tournament – with others potentially to follow.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan were all due to take part in the competition. However, the Premier League teams withdrew one by one, before their European counterparts began to do the same, leaving just Real and Barca.
Before their withdrawals, the clubs involved had been threatened with expulsion from their domestic leagues, while Fifa and Uefa warned any players that took part that they would not be allowed to compete at the World Cup, Euros or in the Champions and Europa Leagues.
A scheduled Premier League clash between rivals Man United and Liverpool was even postponed as home supporters invaded the Old Trafford pitch ahead of kick-off, while others prevented the team buses from reaching the ground.
Chairmen and owners of the involved Premier League sides later issued apologies to fans, who celebrated the Super League’s downfall jubilantly.
Some figures in football called for the Super League teams to be hit with points deductions in their domestic leagues, but a financial settlement was decided upon instead.
A joint statement by the Premier League and the FA read: “The six clubs involved in proposals to form a European Super League have today acknowledged once again that their actions were a mistake, and have reconfirmed their commitment to the Premier League and the future of the English game.
“They have wholeheartedly apologised to their fans, fellow clubs, the Premier League and The FA.
“As a gesture of goodwill, the clubs have collectively agreed to make a contribution of £22million, which will go towards the good of the game, including new investment in support for fans, grassroots football and community programmes.
“Furthermore, the clubs have agreed to support rule changes so that any similar actions in the future would lead to a 30-point deduction.
“Each of the six clubs, in that event, would also be subject to an additional £25million fine.
“The Premier League and The FA have worked closely together throughout this process and this agreement brings both investigations into the matter to a conclusion.”
