LONDON - English football’s so-called ‘big six’ have confirmed their intention to pull out of the proposed European Super League.

Manchester City became the first team to quit the controversial project on Tuesday evening and were later followed by Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.

The PA news agency understands Chelsea have also begun proceedings to withdraw from the breakaway competition.

It capped a remarkable evening of developments in the saga which also saw United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward resign.

The Football Association welcomed the news that some clubs had decided to withdraw their support from the new competition.

An FA statement said: “We welcome the news that some of the clubs have decided to abandon the plans for the European Super League, which threatened the whole football pyramid.

“English football has a proud history based on opportunity for all clubs and the game has been unanimous in its disapproval of a closed league. It was a proposition that, by design, could have divided our game; but instead, it has unified us all.

“We would like to thanks the fans in particular for their influential and unequivocal voice during this time, holding true the guiding principles of football. It is a powerful reminder that the game is, and always will be, for fans.

“We would also like to thank the Primer Minister, Secretary of State and Sports Minister for their unwavering and critical support against these plans.”

Gary Neville declared the European Super League was over when he appeared on Sky Sports after Chelsea's match against Brighton.

He said: “It’s absolutely incredible. There was large concern yesterday morning as a Manchester United fan thinking Joel Glazer put his name on a statement – you thought it’s going to be difficult to back down.

“But City have enacted withdrawal proceedings and Chelsea are doing the same. It’s gone, done!”

Jamie Carragher claimed the comments of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, midfielder James Milner and Leeds striker Patrick Bamford after Monday night’s match, helped swing the balance.

“I just think the reaction of everybody, Jurgen Klopp coming out last night, James Milner and Patrick Bamford.

“Yesterday afternoon I was fearful. It was really serious, it felt like there was no fight, that the ship had sailed.

“But after the game I felt re-energised and was confident this would be over after those players came out. That gave me a huge lift. I said as soon as one goes that’s the end of it, and it’s finished.

“Klopp threw the owners under the bus, the captain (Jordan Henderson) has, Kenny Dalglish has. I don’t know what they are hanging on for. I don’t see a future for the ownership on the back of this.”

Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana told Sky Sports: “It’s surreal really. I had this funny feeling in my tummy all day and when we heard a couple of teams had pulled out it went.”

Lallana saluted the role his former Liverpool team-mate Henderson played in driving the message home.

“He’s proven on countless occasions he leads the captains and the football club,” he added.

“We’re stronger than anything or anyone, all the clubs coming together as one.

“We didn’t want the Super League to happen, we want games like this to have meaning.”

Seagulls boss Potter told Sky Sports: “It felt like an attack on the game. A monopoly, a cartel. It was nice to see everyone’s response today. It was quite universal I think. Hopefully now we can move forward.

“We have to remain vigilant. Football’s a fantastic game but there’s always people who can exploit it.”

Liverpool released a brief statement just before 11pm announcing the club’s withdrawal.

The statement read: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm that our involvement in proposed plans to form a European Super League has been discontinued.

“In recent days, the club has received representations from various key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions.”

In a statement, Manchester United said: “Manchester United will not be participating in the European Super League.

“We have listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders.

“We remain committed to working with others across the football community to come up with sustainable solutions to the long-term challenges facing the game.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said he regretted the “anxiety and upset” caused as he confirmed the club had “formally commenced procedures to withdraw from the group developing proposals for a European Super League (ESL).”

Levy said in a statement: “We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal.

“We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.

“We believe that we should never stand still and that the sport should constantly review competitions and governance to ensure the game we all love continues to evolve and excite fans around the world.

“We should like to thank all those supporters who presented their considered opinions.”