Everton have hit out at six of their Premier League rivals, including Merseyside neighbours Liverpool, for displaying "preposterous arrogance" in plans to form a Super League.
Twelve leading sides from across Europe have signed up to be founders of a new continental tournament that will allow members of the so-called elite to compete among themselves.
The backlash against such proposals has been swift and fierce, with those involved facing almost universal condemnation, with Toffees adding their voice to those slamming the actions of a select few as they call for controversial blueprints to be ripped up.
What has been said?
Everton's board of directors has said in a statement posted on the club's official website: "Everton is saddened and disappointed to see proposals of a breakaway league pushed forward by six clubs.
"Six clubs acting entirely in their own interests.
"Six clubs tarnishing the reputation of our league and the game.
"Six clubs choosing to disrespect every other club with whom they sit around the Premier League table.
"Six clubs taking for granted and even betraying the majority of football supporters across our country and beyond.
Getty composite
"At this time of national and international crisis - and a defining period for our game - clubs should be working together collaboratively with the ideals of our game and its supporters uppermost.
"Instead, these clubs have been secretly conspiring to break away from a football pyramid that has served them so well.
"And in that Pyramid Everton salutes EVERY club, be it Leicester City, Accrington Stanley, Gillingham, Lincoln City, Morecambe, Southend United, Notts County and the rest who have, with their very being, enriched the lives of their supporters throughout the game's history. And vice versa.
"The self-proclaimed Super Six appear intent on disenfranchising supporters across the game - including their own - by putting the very structure that underpins the game we love under threat.
"The backlash is understandable and deserved – and has to be listened to.
"This preposterous arrogance is not wanted anywhere in football outside of the clubs that have drafted this plan.
"On behalf of everyone associated with Everton, we respectfully ask that the proposals are immediately withdrawn and that the private meetings and subversive practises that have brought our beautiful game to possibly its lowest ever position in terms of trust end now.
"Finally we would ask the owners, chairmen, and Board members of the six clubs to remember the privileged position they hold – not only as custodians of their clubs but also custodians of the game. The responsibility they carry should be taken seriously.
"We urge them all to consider what they wish their legacy to be."
Who else is involved in the Super League?
Alongside Liverpool, all of the Premier League's 'Big Six' have agreed to take part in a newly-formed Super League.
Manchester United have been accused of playing the part of ringleaders in discussions, while Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City are also on board.
Opposition to the plans has been aired by supporters and former players, while UEFA and FIFA have spoken out strongly against those involved and threatened serious sanctions against any side that splits from established domestic, continental and global governing bodies.