European Super League plans resurface amid fears for Newcastle United's European ambitions

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called on the government to ‘accelerate’ the fan led review recommendations as plans for the European Super League resurface again. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all reportedly looking to push through the plans for a second time after the initial idea fell through almost 12 months ago.

Six clubs from the Premier League – Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – were all originally behind the idea, but pulled out due to the heavy backlash it received.

The Magpies' new owners have been vocal about their aim of qualifying for the Champions League but should the plans on this occasion be successful, it puts Newcastle United’s ambitions of competing with the elite European football clubs in doubt – particularly if the league decides against allowing anyone other than the 12 original teams into the competition. The Magpies are now the richest club in world football and will be looking to break into the Premier League’s ‘big six’ in the coming years.

As a result of Bury FC’s collapse, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on football finances, and the six breakaway teams to the Super League, the fan led review was put forward to the government in order to safeguard the future of English football. And speaking on Twitter, Neville has called on it to be fast tracked through parliament so football in this country is protected.

He said: “The ESL is back on the table. Real, Barca and Juve are pushing. It’s critical we accelerate the Fan Led Review recommendations through Parliament with Legislation to protect English football and allow any new proposals to be viewed with independence.”

UEFA president Alexander Ceferin has also