How did FIFA, UEFA, and national governments react to Super League?

Paris, April 18, 2021 (AFP) - A selection of England, Spain and Italy's biggest clubs have announced plans for a breakaway European Super League, which were strongly condemned by UEFA and the three countries' football authorities.

Here, AFP Sport takes a look at some of the reaction to the news:

FIFA expresses 'disapproval'

World football's governing body stressed in a statement it was in favour of "solidarity" in the sport and said: "Against this background, FIFA can only express its disapproval to a 'closed European breakaway league' outside of the international football structures and not respecting the aforementioned principles."

UEFA threatens to ban clubs

"The clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams," UEFA said.

Premier League hits out

"Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best," the Premier League said. "We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream."

Neville 'disgusted' by plan

"I'm disgusted. It's an absolute disgrace. We have to wrestle back power from the clubs at the top of this league and that includes my club," former Manchester United defender, and current pundit, Gary Neville said.

Southampton manager Hasenhuttl not a fan

"For me it's absolutely unacceptable what is going on behind the scenes. Nobody wants it -- not even the fans of the clubs who want to go there want it," Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said.

Atletico coach Simeone stands down

"We, the coaches, are ready to coach the clubs. I have no doubt that the club will make the best decision for what is best for the future of the club," Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said.

European Club Association not on board

"In light of today's reports on the subject of a so-called breakaway league, ECA as the body representing 246 leading clubs across Europe reiterates its stated commitment to working on developing the UEFA Club Competitions (UCCs) model with UEFA for the cycle beginning 2024 and that a 'closed super league model' to which media articles refer would be strongly opposed by ECA."

Boris Johnson thinking of the fans

"Plans for a European Super League would be very damaging for football and we support football authorities in taking action. They would strike at the heart of the domestic game, and will concern fans across the country," the United Kingdom's prime minister said. "The clubs involved must answer to their fans and the wider footballing community before taking any further steps."

France supports clubs that rejected plan

"The President of the Republic (Emmanuel Macron) welcomes the position of French clubs to refuse to participate in a European football Super League project threatening the principle of solidarity and sporting merit," France's Elysees Palace told AFP.