Gazidis explains Milan’s decision to join Super League and outlines key aims in letter to partners

AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has written a letter to club sponsors to explain the decision to become a founding member of the European Super League.

The world of football has been shaken over the last couple of days after an official announcement was made on Sunday confirming that 12 clubs intended to break away and form their own competition.

It includes virtually all of Europe’s elite such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs, Arsenal, Juventus, Milan, Inter, Real Madrid and Barcelona with the exception of German clubs and – so far – Paris Saint-Germain.

Now, Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis has penned a letter to the club sponsors to announce the new Super League competition and reiterate the importance of the club’s continued participation in Serie A.

“Dear partners, as an important part of the Milan family, I wanted to write to you about the announcement last night (the day before yesterday) on the future of European football,” he said (via Calcio e Finanza).

“Milan are pleased to confirm that they are one of the 12 main European clubs that have come together to create a new midweek competition, the Super League.

“The goal is to create a format in which the best teams compete more regularly, improving the overall quality and intensity of European football.

“We are confident that this new 20-team competition will capture the imaginations of billions of football fans around the world and will represent the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the game of football.

“The football industry, like many others, has recently gone through a period of significant financial instability and hardship, accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Super League will provide value and support to the entire football pyramid with increased financial resources, significantly increasing solidarity payments to national leagues and grassroots football.

“With also the creation of a corresponding women’s league, which will represent a transformative step forward for women’s football. At the same time as the commitment to create this new European tournament, the founding clubs are also making a long-term commitment to their domestic championships.

“Serie A will remain the most important weekend competition in Italy and Milan are proud to remain an important part of the pinnacle of Italian football. The clubs look forward to holding discussions with FIFA and UEFA and all other football institutions to work together in partnership to provide a structure that will be beneficial to football as a whole.

“This is an exciting time for the Club, for you as our partner and for European football. We look forward to taking this journey with you and we will keep you updated on developments as the project progresses. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any questions.”

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