ENGLISH club officials have held secret talks over plans to break away from the Champions League, according to reports.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all had club chiefs present at a secret meeting with American supremo Stephen Ross.
Discussions are said to have taken place over the possibility of creating a new European Super League with Ross confident an agreement will be reached.
Ross’ plans to break away from UEFA could spell the end of the Champions League.
The owner of the Miami Dolphins is keen to offer England’s top clubs the chance to compete with Europe’s elite, that would also see them avoid the risk of missing out on Champions League millions each season if they fail to qualify.
The Sun published photos of the meeting that took place in a hotel in London.
United’s executive-vice chairman Ed Woodward, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis were all present.
City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and Liverpool’s Ian Ayre were in attendance.
The report claims United and Liverpool are the most enthusiastic about the idea of a break-away league.
United are set to miss out on a huge financial boost with their Champions League future in doubt following their poor season.
Arsenal, City and Chelsea would also not be willing to pass up the opportunity of missing out on vast revenue, should United and Liverpool push for Ross’ plans.
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