Mikel Arteta Reaffirms Arsenal’s Stance on European Super League
Football Clubs Must Prioritize Supporters, Says Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the importance of football clubs taking care of their supporters as he restated Arsenal’s position on the controversial European Super League (ESL).
UEFA and FIFA Ruled to Have Breached EU Law in Blocking ESL
The European Court of Justice recently ruled that UEFA and FIFA had violated EU law by unlawfully blocking the establishment of the ESL, following a legal case brought against them.
ESL Plan Falls Apart Amid Fan Backlash and UEFA Sanctions Threat
The ESL was introduced by 12 English, Spanish, and Italian clubs as a rival competition to the Champions League. However, it faced immediate backlash from fans and the threat of severe sanctions from UEFA, leading to its collapse.
Arsenal was one of the 12 clubs that initially joined the ESL in 2021.
Arsenal Maintains Position on ESL
In a statement released on Friday, Arsenal reiterated their unchanged stance on the ESL. The club affirmed that they will continue participating in UEFA competitions and collaborating with other European clubs and the European Club Association (ECA).
Arteta Emphasizes Support for Champions League
Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Liverpool, Arteta reaffirmed the club’s commitment to playing in the Champions League. He highlighted the importance of supporters and their opinions in shaping the game.
“Supporters and the passion they bring to the game are crucial. They are the reason football is so enjoyable. We must prioritize their well-being and value their opinions,” Arteta stated.
Arsenal Faces Liverpool with Top Spot in Premier League
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League table, will face Liverpool on Saturday. However, the team has not won a match at Anfield since September 2012.
Further Reading:
For more information on the European Super League and its legal implications, read our in-depth analysis: “Is the Super League back? What a landmark European court ruling does and doesn’t mean”.