Liverpool finally break silence on European Super League ruling after making fans wait
Liverpool have released a short statement
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Liverpool have now broken their silence on the European Court of Justice's ruling on the European Super League, insisting their "involvement has been discontinued".
Liverpool were one of the original 12 clubs involved in the unpopular breakaway league before pulling out of the deal after severe public backlash and threats of sanctions from FIFA and UEFA.
But plans for a European Super League were revived on Thursday after the European Court of Justice ruled against UEFA and FIFA.
It was ruled that the sport's governing bodies were acting "unlawfully" in threatening to ban any clubs from competing in the ESL.
The revised plans, put forward by A22, saw several clubs confirm their loyalties to UEFA.
Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea confirmed their stance shortly after the new proposals were announced.
Arsenal then became the fifth 'Big Six' English club to distance themselves from the ESL with Liverpool the last club to do so.
In a statement, they said: "Yesterday’s ruling by the European Court of Justice does not change Liverpool FC’s previous stance on a proposed European Super League. Our involvement has been discontinued.
"We will continue to work with fellow clubs through the ECA and participate in UEFA competitions."
Liverpool owner John W Henry apologised to the club's supporters, Jurgen Klopp and the team's players for signing the club up to the original ESL plans back in 2021.
“I want to apologise to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused over the past 48 hours,” he said.
“It goes without saying but should be said that the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans. No one ever thought differently in England. Over these 48 hours you were very clear that it would not stand. We heard you. I heard you.
“And I want to apologise to Jürgen, to Billy [Hogan, chief executive], to the players and to everyone who works so hard at LFC to make our fans proud. They have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption. They were the most disrupted and unfairly so. This is what hurts most. They love your club and work to make you proud every single day.
John W Henry apologised to Liverpool fans
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“I know the entire LFC team has the expertise, leadership and passion necessary to rebuild trust and help us move forward. More than a decade ago when we signed up for the challenges associated with football, we dreamed of what you dreamed of. And we’ve worked hard to improve your club. Our work isn’t done. And I hope you’ll understand that even when we make mistakes, we’re trying to work in your club’s best interests. In this endeavour I’ve let you down.
“Again, I’m sorry, and I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days. It’s something I won’t forget. And shows the power the fans have today and will rightly continue to have.
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Liverpool fans were against the formation of the European Super League
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“If there’s one thing this horrible pandemic has clearly shown, it’s how crucial fans are to our sport and to every sport. It’s shown in every empty stadium. It’s been an incredibly tough year for all of us; virtually no one unaffected.
"It’s important that the Liverpool football family remains intact, vital and committed to what we’ve seen from you globally, with local gestures of kindness and support. I can promise you I will do whatever I can to further that.”