The Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have released an official statement confirming that they have withdrawn from the Super League, as the number of participants continues to decrease.
12 clubs originally came together to become the founders of the Super League, a private European competition for elite teams on the continent. But protests have seen clubs make a major U-turn, with all six Premier League sides leaving the tournament.
Atletico Madrid have backed out of the Super League | JAVIER SORIANO / Getty Images
Atleti released a statement on Wednesday morning confirming that the club has decided not to “definitively formalize its commitment to the project” and claimed that “sporting qualifications must apply above all other criteria.”
“The board of Atlético de Madrid, which met on Wednesday morning, has decided to formally announce the decision of the Super League and the rest of the founding clubs not to definitively formalize their commitment to the project,” the statement said.
“Atlético de Madrid decided on Monday to join the project due to circumstances that no longer exist today.
“For the club, harmony between all the groups that make up the Red & White family, especially our fans, is crucial.
Simeone’s men will not participate in the ESL next season Denis Doyle / Getty Images
“The first team squad and the coach have expressed their satisfaction with the club’s decision, as they understand that sporting merit must prevail over other criteria.”
Atleti has become the first Spanish team to back from ESL, where Barcelona and Real Madrid are still holding their prestigious tournament. Madrid president Florentino Perez is the core of the Super League concept and he has remained adamant that the competition can be a success.
Barça are also in a serious financial situation and see ESL as an opportunity to reduce some of their crippling debt. But Atleti have washed their hands of the competition and leave only a small handful of clubs in the money-spinning tournament.
