Arsenal learn fate of Europa League ban as Super League stance remains

Arsenal have learned their fate for the 2020/21 Europa League season after threats were made to have then banned from this season’s competition at the semi-final stage.

An outpouring of anger from every corner of the football world has erupted following the news of 12 major clubs on the continent forming a European Super League to rival the current editions of UEFA competitions.

Stan Kroenke-led Arsenal will enter as one of the ‘founding members’, sparing them from ever being removed from the division regardless of their domestic league position, or their performance in the Super League.

The FA, Premier League, UEFA, FIFA and just about every footballing body vehemently opposes the idea, one that will eradicate the notion of sporting merit and have damaging implications on the integrity of domestic football.

Arsenal learn fate of Europa League ban as Super League stance remains

UEFA threatened to ban all clubs participating in the this season’s Champions League and Europa League competitions – Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea – a claim that, according to ESPN, is one they will not follow through with. It was always a threat that would’ve been nearly impossible to carry out in legal sense. A ‘final’ decision is expected next week.

That means Mikel Arteta’s side will go ahead as planned to face Villarreal in their semi-final double header starting on April 29.

There were also claims emerging on Tuesday that two Premier League clubs were beginning to get cold feet in light of the severe backlash from fans and governing bodies alike, one the BBC claims is wide of the mark.

"“[…] they were adamant there is no weakening of resolve within the six English clubs who have signed up to ESL,” Simon Stone said on the BBC. “In their view, the plans have been thought through and will benefit the game as a whole.“The clubs are waiting for the storm to die down.”"

It is a storm, alright. One erupting from the very core of the sport and guided by fan disgust at the goal of altering the landscape of football in Europe entirely. The elimination of meritocracy, the thrill of competition and the dilution of occasion being but a select few of the reasons behind stomachs churning.

This stance is one that must be continued if this sport, the fans’ sport, is to not be pulled from its roots and replanted by the dirty, wealthy hands of a select few who have conjured up this monstrosity in the cover of darkness.

Fans must not lie down.