Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insisted Wednesday that the European Super League was not doomed, but merely "on stand-by". "The project is on stand-by. The project exists, but half of them have left, tired of what they have heard over 24 hours, saying they don't want to continue," said Perez. 

His note of defiance came despite all six English clubs as well as Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid turning their backs on the tournament, plans for which were only revealed on Sunday night. In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Perez was asked if it was wrong to think the breakaway competition was now dead. "Absolutely," he said. "We are working on it. Something will come out that the world thinks is the best." Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are the only three clubs yet to withdraw. Perez said Barcelona are "thinking about it".