The move threatens to implode the project by a group of elite English, Spanish and Italian clubs less than two days after it was announced.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham deserted the project - which included 12 founder teams with three each from Spain and Italy also - amid an escalating backlash that saw the government warn of legislating to stop the closed-off rebel league.

City were the first club to go public with their decision to leave the project on Tuesday, saying they have "formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League".

The move was praised by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

"I'm delighted to welcome City back to the European football family... It takes courage to admit a mistake but I never doubted they had the ability and common sense to make that decision. City are a real asset for the game," he said in a statement.

The English FA also welcomed the news.

"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 said in a statement.

United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all followed suit while Chelsea, who played out a 0-0 draw at home with Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday evening, were the final club to confirm they were out too.

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

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."

Liverpool released a brief statement announcing the club's withdrawal while Arsenal did likewise.

"As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League," the Gunners said in an open letter to fans.

"We made a mistake, and we apologise for it."

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)."

Chelsea early on Wednesday morning confirmed their exit from the Super League.

"Having joined the group late last week, we have now had time to consider the matter fully and have decided that our continued participation in these plans would not be in the best interests of the Club, our supporters or the wider football community," a statement on the Blues website read.

Australian Associated Press