Local leaders in Greater Manchesterand Liverpool have declared that the fans’ fight for football is “far from over” despite the collapse of the European Super League – announcing a new ‘Reclaim Our Game’ campaignto fix a “broken” modern game.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Centre Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram have banded together for a joint project in light of the Super League fiasco – stating that now is the time for “real reform of football so fans have a proper say in how their clubs are run.”
The Northern leaders added: “The failed proposals for the European Super League have shown that modern football is broken. Now is the time to fix it.”
The new campaign is calling on the government to legislate to require all English clubs to secure a 51% majority of their registered season ticket holders on any major decision that affects the club; adopting a model similar to the one seen in German football where fans retain majority control.
Additionally, the campaign asks for an independent financial regulator for all pro leagues and clubs.
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The Mayors also state that “legislation should require vendors to make shares available on a first refusal basis to recognised, democratically-controlled supporters’ trusts.”
Lastly, the campaign calls on Uefa to “rethink proposals for Champions League reform.”
All six English clubs – including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool – pulled out of the widely-criticised breakaway European Super League on Tuesday (April 20) evening.
The news was met with jubilation from fans, players, MPs, and major football organisations.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said it was time to “move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together.”
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But local leaders in Manchester and Liverpool suggested the fight was only just beginning.
Rotheram emphasised that “we can’t let this happen again”, whilst Burnham claimed that a cross-party campaign was required to “reclaim the game for supporters, with independent regulation of ownership and finances.”
Manchester United said it had “listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders” when making its decision to withdraw from the Super League.
Man Utd’s Vice President Ed Woodward, who was involved in discussions for the league, also announced he would resign from his role at the end of the season.
The owner of Liverpool, John W Henry, has since apologised to fans, saying “I heard you… I alone am responsible”.
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Meanwhile, the Super League said it would take “appropriate steps to reshape the project”.
A statement read: “Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
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Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
The Manc -
21st April 2021 
