Mikel Arteta has insisted that football must ‘look after’ fans amid renewed talk of a European Super League.
A European Court of Justice ruling has provided fresh hope for controversial European Super League plans, with several of the continent’s leading clubs having formed plans for a breakaway tournament in April 2021.
Each of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ were involved in the initial proposals for a closed-shop competition that would threaten the existence of the Champions League.
However, all of the Premier League sides withdrew their involvement after the proposals were greeted with widespread criticism.
The backers behind a European Super League have now won an appeal in court, with the European Court of Justice having ruled that FIFA and UEFA ‘unlawfully’ blocked the controversial project. Arsenal released a statement to confirm the Gunners have no intention of reviving their participation in a Super League and Arteta has backed that decision.
“Football supporters and the passion they bring to game is the main reason this game belongs to them. We have to look after them – their opinion is very important,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference, ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool.
“We loved playing in the Champions League and will continue to do so,” he added.
On the club statement, Arteta said Arsenal’s stance was ”clear and transparent.
“Arsenal Football Club notes the judgement by the European Court of Justice on Thursday, 21 December 2023 and our position in relation to the European Super League has not changed,” the statement read.
“We will continue to play in UEFA competitions and continue to work with fellow European clubs and the European Club Association (ECA).”
