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Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan quit European Super League as plan crumbles

The Inter Milan club crest (Getty)
The Inter Milan club crest (Getty)

Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have both announced their exit from the European Super League, leaving only four clubs standing – one of whom has already admitted the project is dead.

After Juventus president Andrea Agnelli this morning admitted the Super League could not go ahead without Premier League teams, and now Atletico and Inter pulling out, it leaves only AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid – whose president Florentino Perez has been at the heart of the plans and is now left humiliated – as clubs who have not formally withdrawn.

The entire project now appears doomed, and the focus will turn to whether or not the clubs involved should face punishment from Uefa and their domestic leagues. There will also need to be a reexamining of Uefa’s Champions League reforms which will see historically successful clubs fast-tracked into the Champions League regardless of league performance.

In the latest grovelling statement from a U-turning club, Inter said: “The club is no longer a member of the Super League project. We are always committed to giving the fans the best football experience; innovation and inclusion are part of our DNA.

“Our commitment with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change. Inter believe that football, like any sector of activity, should have an interest in constantly improving its competitions, in order to continue to excite fans of all ages all over the world, within a framework of financial sustainability.

With this vision we will continue to work together with institutions and all stakeholders for the future of the sport we all love.”

Atletico said: “The Atlético de Madrid Board of Directors, meeting this Wednesday morning, has decided to formally communicate to the Superliga and the rest of the founding clubs its decision not to finally formalise its adherence to the project.

“Atlético de Madrid made the decision last Monday to join this project in response to circumstances that no longer exist today. For the club, harmony is essential between all the groups that make up the rojiblanca family, especially our fans.

“The first team squad and their coach have shown their satisfaction with the club's decision, understanding that sporting merits must prevail over any other criteria.”

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