English Premiership side Chelsea are preparing documents to formally withdraw from the European Super League, Sky News is reporting.
Owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to back out.
It will leave just five English clubs – Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham – in the breakaway competition.
It comes after a major backlash, which has seen players, pundits and politicians describe it as a “cartel” solely motivated by greed.
Fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with police forced to close roads and make a number of arrests.
Supporters clutched placards that read “RIP football” and “No to Super League” ahead of tonight’s game against Brighton.
The six other teams who have signed up to the new competition are Spain’s Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid, along with Italy’s AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus.