Chelsea have officially rejected the European Super League, following a court judgement on Thursday, that ruled in favour of football clubs intending to take part in the competition.

News of the ESL initially popped up in 2021, with Chelsea believed to be one of the clubs that led the charge to set up a club-controlled football tournament, but after a fans’ protest in the same year, they backtracked.

The court ruling on Thursday is seen as a major win for the clubs that want to establish the European Super League, but Chelsea have reiterated their initial position on the issue.

A statement the Blues released on Thursday read: “The judgment issued today by the European Court of Justice does not change Chelsea FC’s position.

“We firmly believe that, by working with the Premier League, The FA, other European clubs through our strong relationship with the ECA, and with UEFA and FIFA, we can, together, continue to develop the European game for the benefit of everyone.”

Chelsea are one of several European clubs that have moved to reject the idea of a football competition that is independent of UEFA and FIFA.