English rebel clubs accept $31M fine

London, June 9: The six Premier League clubs that tried to join a European Super League have accepted a collective fine of 22 million pounds (31 million). Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester clubs United and City launched an ill-fated bid to join a breakaway competition that would split from the existing UEFA Champions League.
The fines were called a gesture of goodwill by the Premier League on Wednesday and amount to around 3.6 million pounds (5.1 million) per club, with the cash being invested in support for fans, grassroots leagues and community programs. “They have wholeheartedly apologized to their fans, fellow clubs, the Premier League and the FA (Football Association),” the league said in a statement.
“They have accepted being deducted 30 points and fined 25 million pounds (35 million) if they try to join any similar sort of largely closed competition in the future that isn’t part of the established structures.”
“The Premier League and The FA have worked closely together throughout this process and this agreement brings both investigations into the matter to a conclusion.” The clubs indicated their intention to remain in the Premier League, but their involvement in the Super League would have had a hugely negative competitive and commercial effect. (AP)