The idea of a breakaway European ‘Super League’ has been emphatically rejected by FIFA and the game’s six continental confederations, with the threat of a ban from the World Cup for any players that take part.
Renewed reports of such a competition surfaced late last year, with American banking giant JP Morgan said to be prepared to bankroll it.
However, a joint statement confirms the only such tournament that will receive official recognition is the Club World Cup, and any player involved in a breakaway event would be barred from being involved in official competitions.
The statement read: “In light of recent media speculation about the creation of a closed European ‘Super League’ by some European clubs, FIFA and the six confederations once again would like to reiterate and strongly emphasise that such a competition would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation.
“Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a consequence not be allowed to participate in any competition organised by FIFA or their respective confederation.”
More to follow….
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