The world of football was set alight when news of a new European Super League involving many of the largest clubs in Europe broke on Sunday evening.
Since then, major figures from across the sport, as well as celebrities and politicians, have weighed in with near-universal condemnation of the plans.Here’s what they had to say.
13. Alan Shearer, former Newcastle United player and BBC Pundit
Asked if the ‘big six’ clubs should be kicked out the Premier League, Alan Shearer responded: “Yeah, why not? The Super League have chucked a grenade to the Premier League and to everyone else. Well chuck one back. Ban them, ban them immediately if you can. “It’s not right what they’re trying to do, it’s not competitive, it’s a closed shop, you can’t have a competition where no one else is allowed in." Photo: (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
14. Eric Cantona, former Manchester United player
“For one year we have seen games on TV with the best clubs in the world and the best players in the world, and it was so boring, and it’s still boring, because the fans aren’t there. The fans singing, jumping, supporting their teams. “So the fans are the most important thing in football, they have to be respected. Did these big clubs ask their fans what they thought about this idea? No, unfortunately not, and that’s a shame." Photo: (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)
15. Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president
“I would like to address the owners of some English clubs. Gentlemen, you made a huge mistake. Some will say it is greed, others disdain, arrogance or complete ignorance of England's football culture, but actually it doesn't matter. "What matters is that there is still time to change your mind, everyone makes mistakes. English fans deserve to have you correct your mistake, they deserve respect." Photo: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
16. Gianni Infantino, FIFA president
“Let me be extremely clear, Fifa is an organisation built on true values of sport, statutes which define institutional framework with the pyramid. "We can only and strongly disapprove of a Super League which is a closed shop, breakaway from current institutions." Photo: (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)