Man City CEO issues apology to fans over ‘anguish’ caused by Super League involvement
Manchester City have become the latest club to apologise for their involvement in the planned Super League, which has collapsed over the last two days due to the withdrawals of the majority of the teams set to take part.
News around the breakaway tournament emerged on Sunday, with City announced as participants alongside Premier League rivals Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.
All six sides backed out of the competition on Tuesday night, however, amid immense pressure from the vast majority of the football world.
Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan followed on Wednesday morning, leaving just Real Madrid and Barcelona behind.
Man United co-owner Joel Glazer on Wednesday wrote an open letter to fans of the club, apologising for the Red Devils’ involvement and vowing to “rebuild trust” with supporters. United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had announced his resignation – to come at the end of the year – the evening before.
Glazer’s letter followed similar apologies from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Liverpool owner John W Henry, the latter of whom filmed a video in which he expressed his regrets to fans of the club for having agreed to partake in The Super League.
Man City CEO Ferran Soriano has since addressed supporters of the Premier League leaders, writing: “Dear Cityzen, I am writing to you regarding the events of the past few days.
“I am sorry it has taken a little time, but the circumstances have been somewhat exceptional and it was important for me to contact you directly.
“As you know, Manchester City has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League. As always, when we make choices and decisions, we do so with the best interests of the Club in mind and we believed that being part of such an initiative could give us a voice that might be imperative to our future ability to succeed and grow.
“However, in making that choice we failed to remind ourselves of the unbreakable link between the passion of our fans and the right to have the opportunity to earn success. It is a truth that is fundamental to the DNA of Manchester City and the Board deeply regrets taking a decision that lost sight of the historic values of the Club.
“We made a mistake and we sincerely apologise to our fans for the disappointment, frustration and anguish caused by the last 72 hours.
“I want to personally assure you that the Owners, Chairman, Board and staff are completely committed to ensuring that the club continues to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing well-being of both the English and European football pyramids and their associated competitions.
“We will embrace the opportunity to earn back the full trust of our stakeholders and the football family in general.
“I thank you for taking the time to read this and I extend my thanks to you for your continued support.
“Yours sincerely, Ferran Soriano, CEO.”
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