Chelsea have confirmed their withdrawal from the proposed European Super League.

It was reported prior to Chelsea's clash with Brighton - which was marred by protests outside Stamford Bridge - that the west London club planned to withdraw from the competition.

Manchester City then followed their rivals by announcing they would not partake.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United have all since released statements confirming they would also leave the new league.

Posted on their official website, Chelsea's statement read: "As reported earlier this evening, Chelsea Football Club can confirm that it has begun the formal procedures for withdrawal from the group developing plans for a European 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."