Revamped plans for a controversial European Super League have been announced after a top court ruled that banning clubs from joining a breakaway league was unlawful.

Following the announcement, Manchester United said in a statement they remain “fully committed” to Uefa competitions.

United were one of the founding clubs of the original ESL but backed out following widespread condemnation of the plans.

The club said their position has “not changed” and they remain dedicated to “positive cooperation with Uefa, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA [European Clubs Association] on the continued development of the European game.”

A case was brought by the ESL and its backers claiming Uefa and Fifa were breaking competition law by threatening to sanction those who joined the breakaway league.

On Thursday the European Court of Justice found against the governing bodies but said that did not mean a breakaway league would “necessarily be approved”.

But the ruling has opened the door for new proposals to be put forward and for clubs to look to organise and manage European football competitions.

Put forward by A22 – backers of the original ESL – the new proposal outlines an annual promotion and relegation system with no permanent members.

Fans would also be able to watch live matches for free on a new digital streaming platform.

No clubs or prize money have been announced but in a statement the ECA said: “To be absolutely clear, the judgment in no way whatsoever supports or endorses any form of Super League project.

“Football is a social contract not a legal contract – all the recognised stakeholders of European and world football – spanning confederations, federations, clubs, leagues, players and fans – stand more united than ever against the attempts by a few individuals pursing personal agendas to undermine the very foundations and basic principles of European football.”

Following the ECJ’s ruling, the Football Supporters Association said: “There is no place for an ill-conceived breakaway super league.

“Supporters, players and clubs have already made clear they don’t want a stitched-up competition – we all want to see the trigger pulled on the walking dead monstrosity that is the European Zombie League.

“While the corpse might continue to twitch in the European courts, no English side will be joining.

“Success must be earned on the pitch, not stitched-up in boardrooms.”

The ESL saga began in April 2021 when news broke that 12 teams – including English teams Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – had signed up to the breakaway competition.

There was widespread fury and condemnation from fans, European domestic leagues and even government, leading to the collapse of the plans within 72 hours.

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