Mikel Arteta emphasizes the significance of fans’ opinions, highlighting their importance while Arsenal turns down the ESL proposal.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has conveyed his condolences after being exonerated of a misconduct accusation by the Football Association (FA). In a conversation with journalists prior to Arsenal’s game against Liverpool, Arteta restated the club’s disapproval of the European Super League (ESL) proposals, underscoring the significance of supporters in the sport.

The ESL was initially introduced in 2021 but encountered widespread opposition, resulting in its swift collapse. However, the ESL has gained momentum following the recent judgment by the European Court of Justice that FIFA and UEFA unlawfully obstructed the breakaway endeavor. The new proposal for a men’s and women’s competition was revealed with significant changes, however, numerous prominent European clubs, including Arsenal, declined to accept the revised plans.

According to Arteta, Arsenal’s viewpoint remains the same, emphasizing their fondness for participating in the Champions League and their dedication to maintaining their involvement. He also referred to the club’s explicit and easily understandable statement, which clearly expresses their position on the subject.

At the initial announcement of the European Super League concept, Arsenal was one of the 12 teams initially selected to be part of the original lineup. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham, all representing the Premier League, were joined by Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid from La Liga, and AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus from Serie A. Nevertheless, this declaration triggered anger among fans and diverse stakeholder organizations, resulting in the majority of clubs retracting their backing.

Arteta underlined the significance of football fans and their enthusiasm for the sport, highlighting that they are the very essence that makes the game belong to them and the players. He emphasized the importance of taking care of the supporters and taking into account their viewpoints, as they play a vital role in the enjoyment of the sport.

A new suggestion has been put forward for the ESL, which involves a tournament held during the middle of the week. It would consist of three levels for men and two levels for women, with the possibility of teams being promoted or relegated. However, Arsenal, along with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham, declined these proposals. The Premier League also issued a statement restating its refusal of this idea, highlighting the significance of fair competition and the connection between domestic and European football. To sum up, Arteta’s appreciation for being acquitted of the FA misconduct accusation corresponds with Arsenal’s refusal of the proposed European Super League. The team remains dedicated to participating in the Champions League and highly regards the viewpoints of the fans, who are considered essential to the sport’s vitality. Similarly, the Premier League steadfastly opposes the ESL, emphasizing the importance of fair competition as the foundation for the triumph of club tournaments.