Joel Glazer, the Jewish co-owner of Manchester United, has said the proposed new European Super League for elite clubs would open a “new chapter” for football on the continent. 

United is one of six English clubs along with six others from Italy and Span to announce its participation in the new competition, which has been condemned by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as “very damaging” for football. 

Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have also signed up to the plan. 

In a statement on Sunday night, Mr Glazer, who is to be a vice-chairman of the ESL, said, “By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.” 

ESL games would be played mid-week, leaving clubs free to take part in domestic and other competitions. 

But Uefa, European football’s governing body, has warned that players who opt for the EFL could be banned from other domestic and international events and from representing their countries. 

Uefa is due to today to announce a revamp of its premier competition, the Champions League. 

But EFL clubs are reported to believe that the changes do not go far enough.