Sixteen EU governments oppose Super League, including Spain and Italy, in blow to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus
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THE CONTROVERSIAL European Super League initiative has been dealt another blow as 16 EU countries rejected it.
Back in April, 12 clubs signed up to the controversial breakaway competition that sparked a furious reaction by players, legends, fans, pundits, football governing bodies and politicians.
Among the ESL founders were six Premier League teams - Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
The ferocious backlash forced the big six, as well as AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid to pull back.
However, Real, Barca and Juve refuse to admit defeat and are still pushing for the unpopular project.
Los Blancos' president Florentino Perez is the main driving force behind the three rebels' effort to revive the initiative.
According to AP though, 16 out of 27 EU countries, including Spain and Italy, have pulled the brakes on the initiative.
Germany is also expected to submit a statement to the European Court of Justice.
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The rebels are desperately trying to ease tensions by introducing new rules to the ESL that would no longer constitute it as a breakaway or exclusive league.
They plan on creating two leagues of 20 clubs - ensuring 40 teams will be involved every season.
Promotion and relegation will also come into force under the three clubs' new proposal.
Any team from every league in Europe can qualify, depending on their performances, ensuring it does not become a closed shop.
In a desperate appeal to fans the new draft also vows to give supporters financial help to attend away games.
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