SFA condemn European Super League plan which has 'galvanised' sport in opposition to ' closed competition based on patronage rather than sporting merit'

The Scottish FA based at Hampden has been the latest to criticise the plans. Picture: John Devlin

Plans to form a European Super League led by 12 of the continent’s wealthiest clubs have ‘galvanised’ football in opposition against the rogue clubs’ project, the Scottish FA has said.

Adding the national association’s voice to the growing volume of condemnation, the Scottish FA stated their belief in the principles of the football pyrami and meritocratic competition and criticised the plans being led by six English teams and three from Spain and Italy.

Anger has been expressed across Europe after the clubs – Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, plus Real Madri, Atletico Madrid Barcelona, AC Milan, Internazionale and Juventus – revealed their intentions on Sunday night.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned players could be banned ‘ as soon as possible’ from UEFA club and international competitions while the SPFL has also slated the plans.

Now Hampden has also hammered the plans.

A Scottish FA spokesperson said: “The Scottish FA joins with UEFA and other National Associations in condemning the proposals by Europe’s wealthiest clubs to break away from the UEFA Champions and Europa Leagues to set up their own closed competition based on patronage rather than sporting merit.

“The widespread condemnation of the so-called European Super League – among fans, players, clubs and football bodies across the world – has galvanised a sport which has already shown great fortitude in enduring the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and which has provided entertainment to millions who have been forced to remain at home during the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

“The Scottish FA believes in the fundamental principles of the football pyramid and meritocratic competition. We are concerned by the impact this cynical attempt will have on the game domestically and internationally, for players and fans, for clubs and countries. We stand together with UEFA and with all who wish to uphold the values and very fabric of football.”

League chief executive Neil Doncaster said the plans “appear to be a cynical and very worrying attempt to thwart the core principle of sporting merit” and “represent a clear and present danger to the sport we all love”.

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