THE European Super League was dealt an almighty blow on Tuesday night after all six Premier League clubs withdrew their interest.
More clubs are now set to follow – but is this the end of the controversial breakaway competition?
HAS THE EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE BEEN CANCELLED?
Essentially, yes.
On Wednesday morning, European Super League chiefs released a statement saying they would 'reshape' the competition and move on.
Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli – one of two key ringleaders along with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez – also claimed they were 'moving forward'.
But just hours later, Agnelli performed an astonishing U-turn, admitting the tournament could not go ahead with clubs dropping like flies.
Asked if the ESL could go ahead, Agnelli admitted defeat, saying: "To be frank and honest, no. Evidently that is not the case."
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham have already officially pulled out.
Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid followed suit on Wednesday morning.
Reports in Europe claim AC Milan and Barcelona are set to join them.
That would leave just TWO of the original 12 clubs – Juventus and Real Madrid as 'founding members'.
For the European Super League to go on, they would need to find 13 other clubs to join the inner circle – and another five who would take part in the inaugural season.
Following an incredible fan backlash, it's unlikely any clubs would be willing to sell their souls by signing up now.
As Agnelli admitted… it's over.
We're now just awaiting official confirmation.
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WILL PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS BE PUNISHED?
It seems likely, yes.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd and Tottenham were major players in the formation of the European Super League.
In fact, Premier League clubs accounted for HALF of the 'dirty dozen' European clubs.
They had ample chance to say no – after all, Borussia Dortmund rejected the invitation.
The six Premier League teams will now surely face a punishment – but it won't be half as extreme as many disgruntled football fans would like.
The clubs all face a hefty fine.
However, they are incredibly unlikely to be hit with a points deduction and are even less likely to be kicked out of the Premier League.
Ironically, having moved to form their own breakaway league in a bid to make more money, the six teams now look set to be be hit in the pocket and head back to reality with their tails between their legs.
WHO'S LEFT IN THE COMPETITION?
Officially at least, the Premier League clubs, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid have all pulled out.
That leaves Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus.
However, numerous reports in Europe have suggested Barca and Milan are set to walk away.
That would leave just Real Madrid and Juventus.
And with Juve chairman Agnelli admitting defeat… it seems the European Super League nightmare is over.
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