Arsenal have released a statement regarding chief executive officer Ivan Gazidis' alleged 'secret' meeting with American billionaire Stephen Ross. Reports emerged overnight that Gazidis - along with the owners of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United – had met Mr Ross regarding the formation of a new 'super league' that has only the top 20 teams from Europe.
However, Arsenal have released a statement denying that the meeting was for the formation of said league and that it was actually about studying the ICC – which Mr Ross also runs – and certain discussions about the UEFA Champions League.
“We are strongly opposed to any breakaway,” an Arsenal official stated.
“Not Arsenal, nor any clubs at the meeting, are seeking changes to the Premier League and European landscape and no conversations surrounding displacing the Premier League or starting a European Super League took place.
“Discussions were primarily around the ICC and formats of European competitions that would compliment the existing Premier League.”
Arsenal have never played in the International Champions' Cup which Spanish giants, Real Madrid, have won twice. Premier League rivals Manchester United won it in the second year by beating bitter rivals Liverpool 3-1.
Arsenal have already announced that they're travelling to the States to take on the MLS All-Star team and this discussion could further shed light on the fact that Arsenal may actually be a part of the International Champions Cup this time around.
The Gunners have chosen to travel to Asia for two of their last pre-seasons visiting countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and more. With the UEFA Euro taking place at the end of the season, Arsenal – and all other clubs with international representatives – will have very little recovery time between the seasons. The trouble of travelling across the pond to America might only add to their woes.
