£22m settlement reached between England’s six Super League rebel clubs and the Premier League

A financial settlement worth a combined £22million has been reached between England’s six Super League rebel clubs and the Premier League, the PA news agency understands.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham announced themselves as founder members of the competition on April 18, but had withdrawn within 72 hours amid fan protests and opposition from the Premier League UEFA, FIFA and even the British Government.

The clubs indicated their intention to remain in the Premier League, but their involvement in the Super League would have had a hugely negative competitive and commercial effect on the English top flight.

Sky News reported the settlement on Wednesday afternoon and sources within one of the clubs have subsequently told PA that agreement has been reached, with clubs facing a £25million fine and 30-point deduction if there are further attempts to break away.

It is understood the money will go to grassroots and community projects, rather than to the other Premier League clubs.

A statement from the league is anticipated later on Wednesday.

The Premier League conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Super League’s foundation, and its chief executive Richard Masters said last month that the probe would be conducted “efficiently, justly and appropriately”.