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Chelsea supporters continue to apply pressure on board members to resign even after the club said on Tuesday that it would begin the process of leaving the Super League project.

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) has asked members of the club's hierarchy to step down because of the lasting harm they believe has been inflicted by the Blues' leadership in courting a competition that has been widely accused of being a money grab.

The CST's statement followed a large protest outside Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Brighton.

What has been said?

"Enough is Enough," the CST statement began.

"Tonight, the fans said NO. We demanded that we were listened to, we demanded that we were heard, and we demanded that the club that we all love was not sold for greed and self-interest.

"This is a victory for the supporters. We did this together. The Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) is unashamedly proud of its members across the globe. We shouted and they had to listen.

"The position of a number of the CFC board is now untenable and the CST will continue to push for what is right. The CST board is proud of our members and supporters. Together we are stronger. This is our club and that will never change."

Who is on the board?

The Chelsea FC PLC board has only four members: Chairman Bruce Buck, director Marina Granovskaia, CEO Guy Laurence and Eugene Tenenbaum. The Football Club board is those four, along with David Barnard.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is not on either board, but has the ultimate say over the biggest matters arising in west London.

During the protests at Stamford Bridge, Buck's name was particularly singled out for criticism.

Chelsea's statement

No resignations have been announced, but the club released the following statement late via their official website Tuesday night:

"As reported earlier this evening, Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it has begun the formal procedures for withdrawal from the group developing plans for a European Super League.

"Having joined the group late last week, we have now had time to consider the matter fully and have decided that our continued participation in these plans would not be in the best interests of the Club, our supporters or the wider football community."

Further reading

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has deactivated his Twitter account as the Super League project continues to generate reactions on social media.

The 31-year-old has been out of action for the Gunners following a Malaria diagnosis while on Gabon assignment.

While recovering from the illness, the news that grabbed headlines was the newly unveiled plans for a Super League in Europe – with Arsenal confirmed as one of the 12 founding members.

Irritated about how the condemned competition had taken over social media more than significant subjects like Covid-19, online abuse or racism, the 2015 African Player of the Year decided to yank off his Twitter account.

 “I ain’t missed you Twitter. So, we not allowed to talk about anything? Only football and Super League? No more talking about Covid?! Or online abuse or racism...nice. Even sick (without fone), I was feeling better than now with fone (sic) let me turn it off. See u,” his last tweet read.

However, his Instagram account which boasts over 10 million followers remains active.

The Gunners’ skipper was due to meet with captains of other English elite division clubs to discuss the Super League proposals.

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is set to lead an emergency meeting as the fallout from the planned new European Super League continues.

It is believed that the players, the vast majority of whom had no idea that the Super League proposal was coming, have been left puzzled by events of the last 48 hours.

Fulham and Everton have issued statements on the matter, with the Toffees condemning the “preposterous arrogance” of the supposed ‘Super League Six’.

The Premier League on Tuesday afternoon "unanimously and vigorously rejected" the proposals for a Super League and is planning to take action against the six sides [Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur] from the English top-flight that have signed up for the new European competition.

Moreover, Hapoel Ra’anana CEO Gil Cooper explained why this plan would have a negative effect on football.

“Talking from the Israeli Premier League point of view, I think it will harm all teams and nations that are not part of the Super League,” Cooper told Goal.

“It will kill the spirit of competition. Well, some will argue that this kind of thing exists in the United State of America, but I would say that theirs is unique.

“You need to promote; you need to relegate, and it is always about competing about something – this is what is acceptable in football."

Thomas Tuchel has admitted the barrage of Super League questions he received leading up to Chelsea's scoreless draw against Brighton left him "clearly not happy".

The Blues had signalled their intention to join the controversial new competition over the weekend, but Tuchel said he was given late notice about the move. In the build-up to Tuesday's Brighton match, the manager tried to remain neutral about the tournament in an effort cool emotions, however the topic was too big for him to evade. Tuchel's men then appeared flat on the pitch, perhaps with the fierce backlash from fans toward the Super League front of mind, as they "tried to create an atmosphere to win the game but could not".

Late Tuesday night, Chelsea reversed course and announced they would back out of the Super League.

What has been said?

"I was clearly not happy, nobody was and that can happen even if we had the best preparation," Tuchel acknowledged to BBC Sport.

"The situation was not clear. I was informed like you were informed. ... You didn't ask me about the match at all beforehand. You prepare a match, but it is strange that nobody is talking about it.

"It was not our best game - the opponents defended well and we weren't in the same rhythm. Maybe we were tired and a bit distracted, maybe a combination and it wasn't our best performance." 

Tuchel expanded on those thoughts in a separate interview with Sky Sports.

"I was affected so I think the players were affected," the manager said. "We talk of nothing else but Super League before the match. Nobody asked about the match before. It is like this. You have to accept the distraction. We tried to create an atmosphere to win the game but could not.

"We were sloppy when we did win the ball. We were not precise enough. We have to accept that we did not deserve [to win].

"We made big mistakes, looked tired, mentally tired. We did not deserve to win maybe for the first time since I arrived here."

Tuchel's previous remarks

Tuchel had given tepid support to the Super League on Monday, saying it was not his place to critique Chelsea ownership.

"I want to play these club competitions, I trust the club to make the right decisions and it’s too early to judge everything and it’s not my part," he told reporters.

Chelsea leave Super League

By Tuesday night, however, the mood on the Super League had soured enough for the Blues to back out along with every other English side that had been involved.

But the damage done by Chelsea's draw with Brighton - which kept them level on points with fifth-place West Ham - cannot be reversed.

Further reading

U.S. Soccer has hailed Tuesday's conviction of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin as "one of justice for George Floyd's family", as the federation reiterated its desire to continue the fight for social justice.

Chauvin was convicted on all counts on Tuesday in the killing of Floyd in May 2020, an event that prompted large-scale protests all over the world.

The former police officer now faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.

What did U.S. Soccer have to say?

"Today’s verdict is one of justice for George Floyd’s family," the federation said in a statement.

"It does not, however, ease the heartbreak or represent closure. In fact, the ruling serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to challenge and end the systemic racism, discrimination and hatred that continues to surface in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and lives.  

"As the national governing body of our sport, U.S. Soccer will be a voice for social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are committed to inspiring change that will be meaningful and lasting.

"U.S. Soccer has an obligation to lead in this effort on behalf of our membership and national teams, both of which reflect the diversity of who we are – and have always been – as a nation. "

Floyd's impact on soccer

In the months since Floyd's murder, soccer has become one of many sections of society to react with both pain and passion in the face of racial injustice.

The Black Lives Matter campaign has become a mainstay in the game, with players all over the world kneeling before matches in a sign of solidarity.

Shortly after George's death, stars like Jadon Sancho, Kylian Mbappe and U.S. men's national team star Weston McKennie expressed solidarity with the protests that were being staged all over the United States.

McKennie, who has been outspoken on the issue of racial injustice alongside several members of the USMNT, has said he refuses to "shut up and dribble" and will continue his fight for social justice.

Upon making their return to the field last fall, the USMNT has work jackets with calls for racial equality and justice, a practice that has continued on through their recent matches.

The team also united for a video saying that "enough is enough", while goalkeeper Zack Steffen said that the U.S. "can't keep pushing these killings under the rug".

The USWNT, meanwhile, has kneeled for the national anthem as a callback to Colin Kaepernick's original protests for racial equality, with stars like Megan Rapinoe and Crystal Dunn serving as outspoken advocates for some time while combating racial and gender inequalities.

Rapinoe has called on the game's biggest stars to speak out against racism as she hopes to see players united in sending an important message going forward.

Further reading

Tottenham announced late on Tuesday night that they have formally begun the process of backing out of the Super League in a swift reversal

The club had said two days prior that they would be a founding member of the 20-team competition of elite European sides, but their thinking apparently changed as supporters decried the havoc the new division could create for the world of football.

Spurs' decision to begin their withdrawal from the Super League comes after Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal had done the same, with Chelsea expected to follow.

What has been said?

"We can confirm that we have formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the group developing proposals for a European Super League (ESL)," the club wrote in a statement on Twitter.

Chairman Daniel Levy added: “We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal. We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.

“We believe that we should never stand still and that the sport should constantly review competitions and governance to ensure the game we all love continues to evolve and excite fans around the world. We should like to thank all those supporters who presented their considered opinions.”

Tottenham have become the latest club to remove themselves from the Super League, joining the rest of the Premier League's Big Six in backing out.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all confirmed their intentions to back out, with Barcelona potentially on the way out as well.

Arsenal apologised for their "mistake" in the wake of consistent backlash and protests from across the footballing landscape.

The future of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Inter and Juventus in the Super League remains to be seen.

Further reading

Arsenal have withdrawn from the European Super League and apologised to their fans and the wider football community.

The Gunners made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday night, just 48 hours after revealing they would be one of the 12 founding members of the new League.

Manchester City had revealed they were pulling out of the radical new plan earlier in the day, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea also following suit.

What have Arsenal said?

A statement released by the Arsenal board on the club’s website said: “The last few days have shown us yet again the depth of feeling our supporters around the world have for this great club and the game we love.

"We needed no reminding of this but the response from supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought.

"It was never our intention to cause such distress, however when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future. 

"As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it."

What’s next?

After revealing they had joined the Super League in a bid to "bring the security the game needs", Arsenal called on others to now work together to "fix" the current system.

The statement said: “We know it will take time to restore your faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal, but let us be clear that the decision to be part of the Super League was driven by our desire to protect Arsenal, the club you love, and to support the game you love through greater solidarity and financial stability.

“Stability is essential for the game to prosper and we will continue to strive to bring the security the game needs to move forward.

“The system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the game and harness the extraordinary power football has to get us on the edge of our seats.

“Finally, we know this has been hugely unsettling at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all. Our aim is always to make the right decisions for this great football club, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. We didn’t make the right decision here, which we fully accept. We have heard you.”

Will the fans be satisfied?

No. An anti-Super League protest that was planned to take place ahead of Friday night’s home game against Everton will now centre around owner Stan Kroenke.

Organisers have made it clear that the protest will still go ahead, but the theme will centre around the fans’ desire to get the American billionaire out of the club. It is due to begin at 6pm outside Emirates Stadium.

Further Reading

Manchester United have withdrawn from the European Super League after severe backlash to the announcement.

The club’s co-owner Joel Glazer was one of the main backers of the breakaway league but the widespread condemnation from the Government, the Premier League, UEFA, players, managers, fans and pundits has led to all six English sides pulling out.

Manchester City and Chelsea were the first to announce they would not be going through with their plans to join and United joined them along with the other three English sides, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea in pulling out.

What was said?

A statement from the club read: “Manchester United will not be participating in the European Super League. We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders.

“We remain committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the game.”

Why have they withdrawn?

Glazer along with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward were two of the driving forces behind the breakaway league but while they expected some backlash they were not expecting the level of discontent which followed the formal announcement on Sunday evening.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a meeting on Tuesday after he called the plans "very damaging" for football. The 14 other clubs in the Premier League also held their own meeting where they condemned the proposals.

As fans protested outside Elland Road on Monday night and again outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, clubs started to withdraw.

How have the players reacted?

It is understood the players and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were left in the dark over the proposals. Solskjaer was left to field questions from reporters after the win against Burnley on Sunday having only heard about the proposals via the media earlier in the day.

Players started to voice their disproval in the 48 hours that followed. Marcus Rashford tweeted a picture with a banner that said ‘football without fans is nothing’ while Harry Maguire posted a similar image on his Instagram page and Luke Shaw penned a statement expressing his concern over the new scheme.

Further reading

Liverpool have confirmed that they have withdrawn from the Super League.

The Reds issued a statement late on Tuesday evening confirming they had "discontinued" their involvement in the controversial plans, which would have turned the domestic, European and international football world upside down had they come to fruition.

Their decision came at the end of a remarkable 48 hours, in which players and supporters have united, condemning the proposals and calling upon clubs to respect the history and tradition of the world's most popular sport.

Why did Liverpool withdraw?

Liverpool's players made their feelings on the matter crystal clear, releasing co-ordinated statements across their social media channels earlier on Tuesday, while Spirit of Shankly, the supporters' union, called on club owners Fenway Sports Group to "consider their positions with immediate effect".

A host of Kop legends, including Robbie Fowler and Sir Kenny Dalglish, urged the club to reconsider its involvement in the proposed Super League, while Jamie Carragher said he "could not see a future" for FSG's ownership at Anfield.

What did Liverpool's statement say?

Not much, it has to be said. 

It read: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm that our involvement in proposed plans to form a European Super League has been discontinued. In recent days, the club has received representations from various key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions."

What about other clubs?

Around the same time as Liverpool released their statement, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham all confirmed their intention to withdraw from the Super League proposals too.

Arsenal issued an open letter to their supporters, in which they apologised for any distress caused. "We made a mistake, and we apologise for it," it read.

Tottenham, meanwhile, said they regretted "the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal", while Manchester United said they had "listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders."

Earlier in the day, Manchester City became the first English club to formally announce their intention to leave.

Chelsea, at time of writing, had not done so, although it is widely expected that the Londoners will follow suit.

What role did Liverpool's fans and players play?

There is no doubt that the reaction of those within Liverpool played a part in the club's decision to backtrack.

Jurgen Klopp and his players had been stunned by the level of vitriol aimed at them before, during and after their Premier League match at Leeds on Monday night, while Klopp was upset at the news that Spion Kop 1906, a prominent Reds fan group, planned to remove a number of its iconic flags and banners from the Kop ahead of Saturday's home game with Newcastle.

The response of the players on Tuesday evening was key. Led by captain Jordan Henderson and vice-captain James Milner, they issued a collective statement across their social media channels.

“We don't like it and we don't want it to happen," it read. "This is our collective position. Our commitment to this football club and its supporters is absolute and unconditional. You'll Never Walk Alone."

Coupled with the angry reaction from former players, media pundits, politicians and supporters across the world, as well as the weakening of other clubs' desire to remain involved in the project, it led us to Liverpool's withdrawal, shortly before 11pm UK time on Tuesday.

Further Reading

Aaron Boupendza found the net twice as Hatayspor defeated Antalyaspor 3-2 in Tuesday’s Super Lig encounter.

The Gabon international was the Star of the South’s hero as he helped them secure a 1-1 draw versus Trabzonspor their last time out.

Against the Scorpions, he stepped up his game to turn in two goals that guaranteed Omer Erdogan’s men all points at stake.

Having bowed to a 3-2 home defeat to Rizespor, Ersun Yanal’s team travelled to the Hatay New Stadium with the ambition of returning to winning ways. Nonetheless, that aspiration did not become a reality.

19 minutes into the game, they conceded their first goal courtesy of Boupendza. The 24-year-old controlled a long pass from Rayane Aabid, pushed the ball forward a bit before rifling past goalkeeper Ruud Boffin.

That was the only goal scored in the first 45 minutes as both teams headed for the dressing room.

A minute into the second half, the visiting side levelled matters after Amilton placed the ball inside an empty net after Moroccan goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi had rushed out of the goal area to stop the Brazilian midfielder.

Nine minutes later, the hosts restored their lead through Senegalese forward Mame Diouf who converted from the penalty spot after captain Dogukan Sinik had handled an inswinging corner kick.

Twenty-two minutes to full time, Boupendza completed his double to hand Hatayspor a two-goal advantage. Receiving a smart pass from Nigeria’s Babajide David, the striker slotted the ball past Boffin.

Four minutes to the end of the game, Antalyaspor got their second goal via a Fredy penalty kick.

Despite a late rally by the visitors to end the game all squared, Erdogan’s team held their nerves to seal the crucial win.  

After featuring for 89 minutes, Boupendza – who has now scored 21 goals in 30 outings – was substituted for Mohammed Kamara. Whereas, David and Diouf were in action from start to finish.

Ghana’s Isaac Sackey was brought in as a replacement for Aabid in the 84th minute. Elsewhere, Sackey's compatriot Joseph Akomadi plus Mali's duo Youssouf Kone and Adama Traore were not dressed for action.

With this result, Hatayspor climbed to fifth in the Super Lig log after amassing 53 points from 34 games, while Antalyaspor occupy the 12th position with 42 points with a game more.

Spirit of Shankly, the Liverpool supporters’ union, has called upon owners Fenway Sports Group to consider their positions at the club with immediate effect.

Reds fans have been left disgusted by their club’s decision to throw their weight behind a proposed new 20-team European Super League which would, if it were to happen, threaten the entire balance of the domestic, European and international game.

On a quite remarkable day, Manchester City have confirmed that they had begun proceedings to withdraw from the league, while it is understood that Chelsea, too, are set to walk away. Manchester United, meanwhile, have seen their executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, resign his position.

What has been said?

Liverpool have remained silent, their only official communication coming courtesy of a short statement posted on the club website on Sunday evening, which contained no comments from anyone connected with FSG.

The Reds’ players made their feelings clear via a co-ordinated social media campaign on Tuesday evening.

“We don’t like it and we don’t want it to happen,” they posted, while Kop legends such as Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Sir Kenny Dalglish have all urged the club to walk away from the Super League.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, Spirit of Shankly wrote: “We note with anger that club owners FSG are still hanging on to this shattered nightmare of a European ‘Super’ League.

“We are calling on the FSG board to withdraw our club from this catastrophic idea and consider their positions with immediate effect. To coin a previous campaign of ours: not welcome here.”

The last line is a reference to Spirit of Shankly’s protests against former Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who were in charge of the club between 2007 and 2010 before FSG won a dramatic High Court battle to take ownership.

What has Jurgen Klopp said?

Klopp was left bewildered by events following the news that Liverpool planned to be one of the 12 founder members of the Super League, which emerged on Sunday.

He, along with vice-captain James Milner, was the only senior club figure to speak on Monday, confirming before and after the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road that he did not back the idea and insisting he would not resign his position as manager despite his reservations.

“I’m here as a football coach and manager, and I will do that as long as people let me do that,” he told reporters. “I heard today that I will resign or whatever. If times get even tougher, that makes me even more sticky that I will stay here.

“I feel responsible for the team, responsible for the club and for the relationship we have with our fans. It’s a very tough time, but I will try to help to sort it somehow.”

Further reading

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has equalled his personal best in terms of goal return as Bayern Munich secured a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday evening.

His seventh-minute strike against Die Werkself means he has now scored in three consecutive games in all competitions for the second time in his career.

The 32-year-old began this notable run in a Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain, following it up in a league outing versus Wolfsburg before his recent effort against Hannes Wolf's side.

The last time he achieved this was in March 2014 during his spell at Mainz 05. There, he scored in successive games - Bayer Leverkusen (March 1, 2014), Hertha Berlin (March 9, 2014) and Hoffenheim (March 15, 2014).

With Poland ace Robert Lewandowski still out injured, Choupo-Moting spearheaded the Bavarians’ attack while relying on support from Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Muller.

As it proved a rewarding start for Hans-Dieter Flick’s men, they took an early lead courtesy of the former Stoke City and Schalke 04 man.

David Alaba floated a lovely cross from the left towards Muller at the back post, who diverted it at goal on the volley but was denied by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

The ball rebounded to Choupo-Moting in the middle, and he took one touch to keep it airborne before smacking a volley at goal that deflected in off Sven Bender.

Six minutes later, Joshua Kimmich doubled the advantage for the hosts after blasting past Hradecky following Daley Sinkgraven’s failure to deal with a cross inside the Leverkusen area.

With no goals in the remainder of the game, the Allianz Arena giants earned their 22nd win of the 2020-21 campaign, while their visitors paid for their wastefulness in front of goal.

Choupo-Moting – who now boasts of three league goals in 20 games so far this campaign – was in action from start to finish. On the opposing side, Burkina Faso international Edmond Tapsoba played every minute for the visitors.

Having garnered 71 points from 30 matches to lead the Bundesliga log, Bayern Munich continue their chase for a 31st league diadem when they travel to the Opel Arena on April 24. There, they will take on Bo Svensson's Mainz.

Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish has called on the club to "do the right thing", while captain Jordan Henderson and the rest of the Liverpool squad confirmed that players are not in favour of joining the recently-announced Super League.

With Sunday's announcement, Liverpool were one of 12 teams confirmed to be involved in the new breakway competition, which also featured the rest of the Premier League's 'Big Six', alonside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter.

But that Super League is rapidly finding itself crumbling with Chelsea looking to pull out, Manchester City poised to join them and Barcelona potentially on the way out as well if the club's members vote against participation.

What's been said?

So far, Liverpool have not made any sort of announcement regarding their future in the Super League, even as several clubs look set to withdraw.

Club legend Dalglish, though, took to Twitter on Tuesday, urging his longtime club to make the right choice despite the difficult times.

"The last few days have been difficult for everyone who loves Liverpool Football Club," Dalglish said, "and I really hope we do the right thing."

Shortly after Dalglish's post on social media, Liverpool's captain Henderson and the rest of Liverpool squad posted their own statement on social media in the wake of an emergency meeting on Tuesday.

Henderson led an emergency meeting of Premier League captains, and soon after confirmed that the players were against the idea of a Super League.

"We don't like it and we don't want it to happen," the statement said. "This is our collective position. Our commitment to this football club and its supporters is absolute and unconditional. You'll Never Walk Alone."

Further reading

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has become the latest high-profile footballer to criticise plans for the new Super League.

The Citizens were one of 12 sides from England, Spain and Italy who announced on Sunday that they were starting a new European competition to compete with the Champions League, in which they would play every season and could never be relegated.

However, an immense backlash from across the game has caused City and other clubs to start the process of withdrawing from the Super League - and several major figures from the teams involved have criticised the plans, including De Bruyne.

What did De Bruyne say?

In a statement on his Twitter account, De Bruyne said: "This man comes from a little town out of Belgium, dreaming of playing at the highest stage possible.

"I've represented the Belgian, German and English leagues, and also proudly represented my country. I have worked and competed against everybody trying to win the ultimate.

"But the most important word in this is COMPETING. With all events that have been happening the last few days maybe this is the good moment for everybody to come together and try to work for a solution.

"We know this is a big business and I know I am part of this business, but still I am a little boy who just loves to play football.

"It's not about a certain entity in this case, it's about football over the whole world. Let's keep inspiring the next generation of footballers and keep the fans dreaming."

Who else has spoken against the Super League?

De Bruyne's own manager, Pep Guardiola, was left to fend questions about City's participation at his press conference on Tuesday, and admitted that the decision to enter the Super League was a surprise to him.

“There are presidents or vice-presidents that can talk more clearly or exactly about what the idea is for the future and where football wants to go,” he said. “That is why it is a little bit uncomfortable for [managers] because we don’t have all the information. Once we have all the information, I will give you my opinion.

“I would love the presidents and the vice-presidents for this committee to go all around the world and explain the reason they took that decision. I support my club, I know the people and I am part of the club, but also I have my own opinion. My opinion is that I would love to be clear and have all the information.”

Others, including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, have been more vocal in their opposition - with several clubs now seemingly ready to withdraw from the project.

Further Reading

Barcelona could withdraw from the newly-formed Super League if their members vote against participation, Goal has learned.

The Liga giants were one of 12 clubs announced as founding members of the breakaway competition, which was greeted by anger from many in football and has led several of the teams to consider pulling out.

It has now emerged that Barca insisted on a clause in their contract when they signed up which would allow them to pull out of the Super League if their socios - paid members of the club - vote for the club not to be involved.

What is Barcelona's situation?

Goal has learned that Barca president Joan Laporta won’t ratify Barcelona’s membership in the Super League unless the club members vote it through first.

The entry document for the Super League is not identical for all clubs. Barcelona included a clause by which the club reserved the right to consult members on whether or not they participated in the competition.

Their participation in the Super League was initially agreed by previous president Josep Maria Bartomeu, but when he resigned earlier this year, successor Laporta insisted that they would only enter with the consent of the fans.

Sources at the Catalan club have told Goal that Barca put as a condition of taking entry into the Super League that it would go to a vote of the Assembly of Compromisary Members, the entity to which it annually submits various aspects, such as the annual accounts and budgets.

The Assembly are club members that can vote at meetings elected by socios to represent them - and if they vote against it, then Barcelona will pull out of the Super League, joining several other clubs who, having proudly announced they would be part of the new competition just last Sunday, now appear to be fleeing in their droves.

What has happened to the Super League?

The Super League was announced on Sunday, with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United the founding members.

The format of the competition was supposed to be made up of 20 clubs, with 15 founding clubs and an additional five clubs that qualify annually, and was slated to start in August this year.

However the idea is in serious trouble - Chelsea and Manchester City want to pull out, while Man Utd chief executive Ed Woodward will stand down this year following the backlash.

Further Reading

Hapoel Ra’anana CEO Gil Cooper has voiced his disapproval of plans for a Super League, stating why it would have a negative effect on football.

On April 18, it was revealed how 12 of Europe's biggest clubs have been involved in a controversial proposal for a new competition.

This has generated heated arguments across all levels of the game as players from the past and present, supporters and sporting organisations across the planet have been quick to condemn the plans.

In a chat with Goal, the top official of the Israeli Liga Leumit side has voiced his view on the development.

“Talking from the Israeli Premier League point of view, I think it will harm all teams and nations that are not part of the Super League,” Cooper told Goal.

“It will kill the spirit of competition. Well, some will argue that this kind of thing exists in the United State of America, but I would say that theirs is unique.

“You need to promote; you need to relegate, and it is always about competing about something – this is what is acceptable in football.

“When you have a closed league or put up a structure where promotion or relegation doesn’t exist, you are killing the beauty and heart of football.

“Even for the teams who would make up this Super League, they would be hurt too if not now but in future in terms of their fan base.

“Now, this is still at the negotiation level, and as you can see, the Super League is putting a lot of pressure on Uefa.  Hopefully, I hope this will be resolved.

“If this is not practised in their local leagues, they shouldn’t bring it to Europe.”

Fifa has also spoken out against the Super League project, with president Gianni Infantino adding at the Uefa Congress: "At Fifa, we can only strongly disapprove the creation of a Super League which is a closed shop, which is a breakaway from the current institutions, from the leagues, from the associations, from Uefa, and from Fifa

"There is a lot to throw away for maybe a short-term financial gain of some. People need to think very carefully. They need to reflect and they need to assume responsibility.

"If some elect to go their own way, then they must live with the consequences of their choice. They are responsible for their choice. Concretely, this means either you are in or you are out. You cannot be half in or half out."

Manchester City are set to withdraw from the controversial new Super League, sources have confirmed to Goal.

Sunday's announcement that 12 founding clubs - including City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham from the Premier League as well as clubs from Spain and Italy - were to set up a new breakaway competition was met with widespread criticism.

Angry supporters and fan groups at City dismissed the move with banners placed outside Etihad Stadium, with further protests planned.

Why are City leaving?

Although the club has not yet formally confirmed the news, it is understood that they were concerned by the overwhelming negative reaction to the proposals.

When approached on quitting the Super League, a club spokesman told Goal that they "could not comment for legal reasons".

Goal understands that Chelsea are also set to end their involvement in the controversial breakaway league.

What's been said?

Pep Guardiola was dismissive of the proposal in his press conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

“It's not sport when there is no relation between effort and success, it's not sport,” he said. “It's not sport if it doesn't matter if you lose. I've said many times I want the best competition as possible. It's not fair if teams fight at the top and cannot qualify.”

The other 14 Premier League clubs reacted angrily to the competition and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson threatened to take action.

How have the players responded?

Kevin De Bruyne posted a comment on social media expressing the importance of competition and calling for a solution.

No other players have spoken out publicly but Aymeric Laporte, Benjamin Mendy, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez were among City stars who 'liked' a post from the club's official account in which Guardiola called for the Super League to explain the decision.

Goal understands that there was an emergency meeting of Premier League captains which was likely to include De Bruyne.

Further reading

Manchester United chairman Ed Woodward has resigned and will step down at the end of the year, Goal can confirm.

Woodward was one of the driving forces, along with owner Joel Glazer, behind the controversial European Super League which has been widely condemned. 

Goal understands that his resignation is not to do with the reaction United’s involvement in this competition and he will still remain in his role until the end of 2021. 

More to come...

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores is up and running once more, with the group stage now underway for 2021.

Thirty two teams from across the South American continent have won passage into the first round proper of the competition, either through automatic qualification or by fighting through Libertadores' preliminary rounds.

Both the Argentine and Brazilian clubs have tasted glory in this tournament and will be desperate to make a claim for one of those spots with a strong performance. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stage can be watched through Fanatiz with a 7-day free trial . 

The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage: Round One Fixtures

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

What has happened so far in the 2021 Copa Libertadores?

The 2021 Copa Libertadores began less than a month after the 2020 edition came to an end with Palmeiras' narrow victory over Santos in the final, due to delays in its playing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On February 23 Uruguay's Liverpool met Catolica of Ecuador in the opening match of the first preliminary phase, officially kicking off the new tournament. 

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By March eight teams remained in the opening stage, hoping to join the 24 sides who had earned qualification automatically for the group stages based on their performances in domestic competition across the continent. 

One of the most stunning results came for Independiente del Valle, who followed up their 2-1 defeat of mighty Gremio in Quito with an identical scoreline in the return leg in Porto Alegre, taking them through to the first round at the Brazilians' expense. 

Colombian duo Atletico Nacional and Junior and beaten 2020 finalists Santos also progressed from the final qualifying phase, eliminating Libertad, Bolivar and San Lorenzo respectively. The beaten four teams thus entered the first group stage in the remodelled Copa Sudamericana.

Watch the Copa Libertadores live on Fanatiz. Sign up for a free trial now.

Yanga SC made it two wins in a row after emerging 3-1 victors over Gwambina FC in the Tanzania Mainland League at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday.

Ditram Nchimbi, Saidi Ntibazonkiza, and Bakari Mwamnyeto scored for Wananchi with Jimson Mwanuke scoring for the debutants.

It was the 27-time champions who started the game on a high and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Nchimbi unleashed a fierce shot from 20 yards which the goalkeeper failed to keep out.

Yacouba Songne came close twice but failed to get the ball in the back of the net ensuring the former champions went to the break with a slim lead.

Four minutes after the break, substitute Mwanuke beat Farouk Shikhalo from 20 yards to level matters.

Wananchi upped their tempo and Mwamnyeto ensured they got the third goal on the 52nd minute before Ntibazonkiza sealed the win with the third in stoppage-time.

Yanga are now on 57 points after 26 matches, five points more than Simba SC who are second after 22 games.

At Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, Mtibwa Sugar silenced their hosts, Coastal Union 2-0.

It took the Sugar Millers 20 minutes to put the ball in the back of the net. George Makaya managed to beat the defenders, and with only the goalkeeper to beat, he opted to pass the ball to an unmarked Jaffary Kibaya who had no problem finding the back of the net.

In the 30th minute, the visitors doubled their advantage. Juma Nyangi picked the run of Kibaya who managed to beat two defenders before completing his brace. It was his fifth goal this season.

Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) FC and Biashara Mara United settled for a 1-1 draw in another top-tier assignment.

The defenders failed to clear the ball from the danger zone and it fell to Ghanaian Christian Zigah who converted from close range in the 45th minute.

The hosts equalized in the 48th minute. The ball was handled in the 18-yard area and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Emmanuel Mvuyekure sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it even.

In the 63rd minute, Biashara had a chance to score from the penalty spot after a KMC defender handled the ball. Juma Kaseja dived the right way to deny Deo Judika Mafie.

Yanga SC XI: Farouk Shikhalo, Kibwana Shomari, Adeyum Saleh, Dickson Job, Abdallah Shaibu, Mukoko Tonombe, Tuisila Kisinda, Carlos Carlinhos, Yacouba Songne, Deus Kaseke, Ditram Nchimbi

Subs: Ramadhan Kabwili, Paulo Godfrey, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Said Juma, Haruna Niyonzima, Michael Sarpong, Saidi Ntibazonkiza

Gwambina FC XI: Ibrahim Isihaka, Rajabu Rashidi, Gustapha Saimoni, Baraka Mtui, Novart Lufunga, Yussuph Kagoma, Meshack Mwamita, Yusuf Lwenge, Paulo Nonga, Rajabu Athumani, Japhet Mayungu.

Subs: Mohamed Makaka, Hamad Nassoro, Amos Kidinilo, Salim Sheshe, Mrisho Ngassa, Salum Kipaga, Jimson Mwanuke