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Rio Ferdinand embarrassed as Manchester United among 12 elite clubs in breakaway Super League

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/20/2021 12:50:44 PM

New Delhi, Ap 19 Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand came up with a strongly-worded reaction to breakaway European Super League right after 12 elite clubs in Europe announced the split in European football. Top sides, including Real Madrid, United, Barcelona, Juventus confirmed the formation of a largely-closed Super League which will rival the existing Champions League despite threats from UEFA and FIFA. Ferdinand said the proposed European Super League is a disgrace to football, saying the decision to breakaway from the Champions League has been taken by people at the top "who are making decisions without thinking about anything other than their pockets". The former Manchester United defender said he is shocked that such a decision has been taken at a time when millions across the globe have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement on Monday, the founding members of the Super League announced that it is looking at a 20-team league with 15 Founding members and 5 other clubs qualifying each season. It added that the inaugural season would start "as soon as possible". The European Super League was announced with 12 founding clubs -- AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan,, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur. No clubs from France or Germany have signed up to the proposed league even as Super League statement said 3 more founding clubs would be added to the list. The announcement came just hours before UEFA is due to sign off on its own plans for an expanded and restructured.