PM to meet football officials over breakaway group

The PM is meeting officials from football governing bodies the FA and the Premier League, as well as fans' representatives, later to discuss the proposed European Super League.

Boris Johnson described the new league, which includes six leading English clubs, as "ludicrous".

The 12 founding members of the league face a fierce backlash after unveiling proposals for a breakaway tournament.

One insisted they were doing it to "save football".

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez said the decision to create the new league, which his club would be a part of, was in part taken because "young people are no longer interested" in the game.

He told a Spanish TV show: "Audiences are decreasing and rights are decreasing and something had to be done. We are all ruined. Television has to change so we can adapt."

The 14 Premier League clubs not participating in the new venture are also due to discuss their response later.

Fans and pundits have expressed fury at what they say would be an unfair competition that would lock many teams out of top European football.

The proposed league – which has been described as a football "closed shop" by a government minister – has united MPs from every party against it.

Under the plans – revealed on Sunday – the 12 founding football clubs would be permanent members and never face relegation. 

Critics say the new league could supplant the existing Champions League and disrupt the current football "pyramid" that sees teams rise or fall on merit.