Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly set to pull out of the European Super League.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision to withdraw the West London club having listened to fan protests, and it is understood Manchester City have now told organisers that they do not wish to be a part of the new league.

Chelsea and City are set to become the first two of England’s ‘Big Six’ clubs to choose to quit the competition, which was only announced on Sunday night.

Stamford Bridge chiefs were only thought to have signed up as a founder member of the Super League in order not to be left behind by the rogue breakaway.

But after resounding condemnation from across the political and sporting spectrum, Chelsea appear to have now decided to pull out of the competition – less than 48 hours after it was announced.

The decision will leave English clubs Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham in the breakaway competition.