Big Six handed paltry combined £22m fine for trying to join European Super League

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur announced themselves as founder members of the competition on April 18, but had withdrawn within 72 hours amid fan protests and opposition from the Premier League UEFA, FIFA and even the British Government. have escaped a points deduction at the

Why it matters: The clubs indicated their intention to remain in the Premier League, but their involvement in the Super League would have had a hugely negative competitive and commercial effect on the English top flight.

The Premier League vowed to take action. However, a £22million fine combined will be seen as a tiny figure given their actions could have destroyed the English game. It amounts to around £3.7million each. In the season just finished, champions Man City earned an estimated £154million, Manchester United £153.5million, Chelsea £151million, Liverpool £148.3million, Spurs £139.4million and Arsenal £135million. That’s a combined income of £882million.

What else is new: The six clubs reportedly face a £25million fine each and a 30-point deduction if there are further attempts to break away.

What’s been said: “The six clubs involved in proposals to form a European Super League have today acknowledged once again that their actions were a mistake, and have reconfirmed their commitment to the Premier League and the future of the English game,” a statement from the Premier League and the FA began.

“They have wholeheartedly apologised to their fans, fellow clubs, the Premier League and The FA.

“As a gesture of goodwill, the clubs have collectively agreed to make a contribution of £22million which will go towards the good of the game, including new investment in support for fans, grassroots football and community programmes.”

Malcolm Clarke, chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, said: “Whatever punishment the Premier League’s in-house process decides upon, it cannot guarantee that clubs won’t try similar again in the decades ahead.

“The European Super League’s legacy should be a total restructure of the game – an independent regulator, genuine power to fans, and wealth redistribution.”

Former Man United defender Gary Neville tweeted: “An absolute embarrassment”.