The Super League has fallen apart, and Woodward has gone
Ed Woodward is resigning as executive vice-chairman of Manchester United after a number of clubs withdrew from plans to form a Super League.
It was announced late on Sunday night that 12 of Europe’s ‘leading clubs’, including AC Milan, Spurs, Real Madrid and Arsenal, would form a Super League, but the backlash from fans all over the world has seen the proposal fall apart on Tuesday night.
Chelsea were the first to withdraw from the competition, with Barcelona, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid soon following suit.
Manchester United faced heavy criticism for their part in the plans to form a closed shop of elite clubs, and as a result Ed Woodward has stepped down from his position at the top of Man United’s board. In a statement released by the club, United co-chairman Joel Glazer stated:
“Ed Woodward has served the club with great distinction. On behalf of everyone at United I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his tireless work and dedication.
“His contribution to the club has been massive, and he will always be welcome at Old Trafford as a part of the Manchester United family.”
Sources at the club have told ESPN that ‘Woodward’s decision is not related to the controversial attempts to lead the club into a breakaway European Super League’. That being said [or briefed], it is thought that the collapse of the breakaway league has accelerated the former JP Morgan investment banker’s decision to leave.
He will remain on until the end of 2021, giving him eight months left in his role.
With Woodward seen as one of the prime movers, from an English stand-point, in the rebel league, officials from the Premier League’s 14 other clubs let it be known, at a meeting earlier today, that the United man would not be welcome at future gatherings.
Woodward has faced heavy criticism ever since he stepped up to the role in 2012. While the club has secured a number of partnership deals with tyre and noodle brands, the club has suffered on the pitch as poor recruitment and managerial appointments have go the Woodward green light.
Finally, with The Super League imploding and executives ducking their heads, it looks as if the fat lady has sung.
