The news that 12 European clubs wanted to break away from established UEFA competitions and form their own league was a mighty earthquake in the football world these past few days.

The clubs in question, from England, Spain and Italy, are among the most successful, with Real Madrid – the main promoters of the idea – leading the pack with 13 European crowns. Other clubs from Germany and France rejected the proposal.

The announcement was immediately met with disdain from all quarters, including both FIFA and UEFA, but also from the respective associations. There was also opposition from governments. There were threats of legal action and of dismissal from domestic competitions.

Mostly, however, it was the fans of the teams involved that emerged as being strongly against the proposal. That these clubs considered themselves to be “elite” was a concept that even the most ardent fans could not accept.

Within 48 hours, the backlash had led to the official withdrawal of 10 of the 12 clubs, and the idea that the new Super League would be starting in September was killed. It is now being said that the Super League project has not been completely shelved, but simply put on hold.

The clubs involved were seeking to find new avenues for income. Many of them, if not all, are facing severe financial difficulties, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic which has deprived them of money from stadium attendances. They were also not happy with the reform of the Champions League that was being promoted by UEFA – and approved a day after the schism idea was made public – and which will come into force in 2024.

But the formation of the Super League was certainly not the way forward. Football is a competitive sport, and no club should think it has some divine right over others. It is no wonder that other clubs, who may not have the football history of the 12 rebels but who have made great progress in the past few years, protested so much.

What happened in the past few days should lead to a more healthy discussion on how football should proceed. The way things have developed – and with competitive football taking place almost on a daily basis, and at different hours to maximise income from TV rights – risks putting people off the sport, rather than attracting new fans.

The 12 rebel clubs suffered a huge blow to their reputation, and they must now seek to first of all reconcile with their own fans. It should have served as a lesson to them that the values of sport cannot be put aside.

It is a wake-up call for UEFA too, as it must protect the clubs’ interests first and foremost. Clubs are the backbone of football, and they need to continue to be supported for them to be able to survive. UEFA must also understand that the reform it has put in place as from 2024 is not enough to appease the bigger clubs, and maybe it is still in time to change course.