World soccer governing body FIFA issued a statement Thursday that said any players or clubs that join the rumored European Super League would be banned from playing in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
“In light of recent media speculation about the creation of a closed European ‘Super League’ by some European clubs, FIFA and the six confederations (AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA) once again would like to reiterate and strongly emphasise that such a competition would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation,” reads the statement.
The breakaway Super League would consist of 15 founding members, according to a Times report published Thursday. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and AC Milan have been in talks to join the new league. The Super League would effectively replace UEFA’s Champions League and send ripple effects across top leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga.
In October, outgoing FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said that Barcelona agreed to join the European Super League, according to ESPN.
“The board of directors approved the requirements to participate in a future European Super League, a project promoted by the big clubs in Europe which will guarantee the future financial sustainability of the club,” he said.
