Nine of the clubs involved in the proposed European Super League
have escaped a possible ban from the Champions League and Europa League after
being welcomed back by UEFA.
The Premier League's 'big six' and Milan, Inter and Atletico Madrid
have affirmed their commitment to UEFA competitions after acknowledging
"the Super League project was a mistake" and apologising "to
fans, national associations, national leagues, fellow European clubs and
UEFA".
All nine clubs must abide by a set of "reintegration
measures" in order to be allowed back into the UEFA fold.
These include commitments to UEFA Statutes and to competing in
existing UEFA competitions for which they qualify, rejoining the European Club
Association and taking "all steps within their power" to terminate
their involvement in the company established to run the Super League.
The clubs will also contribute to a €15million
goodwill fund to be used for youth and grassroots football in Europe, while
they will see five per cent of UEFA club competition revenues withheld for one
season. UEFA says that revenue money will also be redistributed.
Should any of the nine clubs attempt a similar breakaway in future,
they will be fined €100m. Breaching any other aspect of the
Club Commitment Declaration – the agreement signed to enable their return to
UEFA competitions – will incur a fine of €50m.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham,
Liverpool, Milan, Inter and Atletico all renounced the Super League following
significant opposition from fans, players and sponsors over their proposed
involvement.
However, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have so far refused to
follow suit and all three could now face strong punishment by UEFA, with the
matter referred to disciplinary bodies.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "I said at the UEFA
Congress two weeks ago that it takes a strong organisation to admit making a
mistake especially in these days of trial by social media. These clubs have
done just that.
"In accepting their commitments and willingness to repair the
disruption they caused, UEFA wants to put this chapter behind it and move
forward in a positive spirit.
"The measures announced are significant, but none of the
financial penalties will be retained by UEFA. They will all be reinvested into
youth and grassroots football in local communities across Europe, including the
UK.
"These clubs recognised their mistakes quickly and have taken
action to demonstrate their contrition and future commitment to European
football. The same cannot be said for the clubs that remain involved in the
so-called 'Super League' and UEFA will deal with those clubs
subsequently."