Celtic 'fully committed' to uphold values of football amid Super League ruling

Celtic say they are “fully committed to upholding the values that define European football” as they respond to a court ruling over Super League plans.

The club released a statement on Thursday after the European Court of Justice found that UEFA blocking the plans was “unlawful”.

The Parkhead club insist that the “wider European football community is not supportive of the ESL” and say they will continue to promote the best interests of the game through the European Clubs Association and the governing body.

The statement released on their website said: “Celtic Football Club has noted today’s judgement delivered by the European Court of Justice.

“The resolution regarding the framework for prior authorisation of other competitions refers to outdated UEFA statutes that were already amended in June 2022.

“We must be clear that this does not in any way endorse or approve the so-called ‘Super League’ project.

“Celtic plays an important, leading role within the European Club Association framework and as a club, we are fully committed to working through the ECA, alongside our fellow European clubs to uphold the values that define European football.

“We can only achieve our objectives through the strong partnership ECA enjoys with UEFA.

“The wider European football community is not supportive of the ESL, and Celtic, like many other clubs, will continue to promote the interests and protection of football’s broader family through the ECA and UEFA.”

Thursday’s ruling sparked fears from Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack that Scottish football would be changed forever.

Cormack accused Scottish football of being ill-prepared for the European Court of Justice judgement, which he believes will pave the way for a European Super League and double the financial advantage of Celtic and Rangers over the rest of the game.

The court’s grand chamber has ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted against EU competition law when blocking the formation of a European Super League in 2021 and then seeking to sanction the clubs involved.

The A22 group at the centre of the Super League proposal has now unveiled its new vision for both men’s and women’s football.

However, Celtic have now joined the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in pledging their commitment to traditional structures of European competition.