FIFA
president Gianni Infantino says football's global governing body "strongly
disapproves" of plans for a breakaway European Super League.
Infantino has warned that the clubs involved "must live with the
consequences of their choice".
The plans, which have thrown the world of football into tumult, would
involve 20 clubs playing in a midweek League - with the founding 12, and
three others yet to join, permanent members of the competition and not
subject to possible relegation.
The 12 clubs currently involved include six from the Premier League
(Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and
Tottenham) plus three each from Italy and Spain.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says there is 'less and less'
interest in the current Champions League format - but the breakaway
proposals have met with a chorus of disapproval and Infantino told the UEFA
Congress on Tuesday that his organisation is also opposed to them.
"There is a lot to throw away for the short-term financial gain of some.
They need to reflect, and they need to assume responsibility.
"If some elect to go their own way, then they must live with the
consequences of their choice. They are responsible for their choice.
"Concretely, this means either you're in or you're out. You cannot be half
in or half out."
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin - who has strongly criticised the Super
League plan - thanked Infantino for his support.
Ceferin said: "You showed that you care about the values of football.
"And if we stand together, we are unbeatable."
Ceferin pointed out that success and club size can change over time, and
said: "Where were Manchester United in the decade before Sir Alex Ferguson
arrived on the scene?
"And where were Juventus 15 years ago?"
Addressing the breakaway clubs directly, he added: "Come to your senses, not
out of love for football, because I imagine some of you don't have much of
that, but out of respect for those who bleed themselves dry so that they can
go to the stadium to support the team, and want the dream to be kept alive.
"For those, you (must) change your mind."
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