The Premier League have released a statement on the fines meted out to the six clubs involved in the mooted European Super League.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will have to pay £22m towards grass roots football in England in a move the Premier League say brings 'the matter to a conclusion.'
The decision has been met with a mixture of derision and bemusement by fans across the football world as falling well short of being a deterrent of future action.
Super League punishments
"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," a Premier League statement read.
"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 £22 million 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 £25 million 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."
Fan reaction
Meanwhile, fans spanning the football pyramid in England have reacted with dismay at the decision.
£20m fines AND 30-point deductions.... Would they care if they were entering a guaranteed super league? #bbcfootball
— Steve in Milan (@exiledblue123) June 9, 2021
Arsenal’s total costs for the Super League debacle could well cost upwards of £20m when all fees and fines are paid. What a stupid waste of resources and focus. This why the club needs better governance including independent Board members https://t.co/VwJhPXo4QE
— AST (@AST_arsenal) June 9, 2021
£20m total in fines for the 6 UK #SuperLeague breakaway teams is pathetic and no disincentive against trying it again. They'd make £3.5m back in one ESL game.
Should each have been fined a minimum of 1 yrs (3-5 yrs better) projected gross income the ESL would have provided.— 🇺🇦 OnceAKnight (@daveknight67) June 9, 2021
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