Fans call for Chelsea chairman to resign following ESL collapse
The positions of Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and chief executive Guy Laurence are “untenable” following their failed attempt to join the European Super League, according to the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.
Chelsea, along with the other five members of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’, withdrew from the controversial project following fierce backlash and fan protests outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
The club’s announcement that they had withdrawn consisted of just 73 words and did not include an apology to supporters for having not consulted them before going ahead.
Chelsea claimed they had “joined the group late last week” and only now had “had time to consider the matter fully”.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) have hailed the U-turn as a “win for supporters worldwide” but have demanded a full explanation from the board and accused Buck and Laurence of giving “no consideration towards the loyal supporters”.
Buck met with fans on Monday to defend the plans but the CST have described his and Laurence’s positions as untenable.
“It has been confirmed that CFC is officially withdrawing their intention to join the European Super League,” read the CST statement.
“Whilst this is a huge win for supporters worldwide, our fight to secure the proper future of the club will continue.
“The CST is appalled with the tone and insincerity of the statement issued by CFC today. We request a full and in-depth explanation as to why the board took the decision to turn their back on the European competition and for CFC to explain why they signed up to the Super League without prior consultation with their loyal supporters.
“We are disappointed that an apology has not been included in the statement.
“The legacy of our club was put at risk for what appears to have been solely for financial gain.
“The CST presently have little or no confidence in our current leadership at board level.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has been asked to step down from his role as the chairman of the Premier League Nominations Committee after his involvement in the ESL launch.
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) April 21, 2021
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“On Monday Bruce Buck extensively defended CFC’s plan to remain in the Super League at a fan’s forum meeting.
“Buck alongside Guy Laurence (CEO) appears to have given no consideration towards the loyal supporters, so their positions would seem untenable moving forward.”