Brexit Might Have 'Extremely Damaging' Effect On Football Clubs, Say Chairmen

16 August 2018


Brexit could be "extremely harmful" to English football, claim 2 chairmen.


Burnley chairman Mike Garlick says uncertainty over an offer with the European Union is already making it harder for clubs to sign gamers.


Stoke chairman Peter Coates added that the Premier League might be struck by freedom-of-movement limitations.


"The destructive Brexit path being pursued by the federal government threatens to have a hugely damaging effect on clubs across the country," stated Garlick.


Talking to individuals's Vote campaign,, external he added: "It threatens to make the expanding inequality gap in our top division even worse.


"The hit to the value of the pound against the euro, mostly triggered by Brexit uncertainty, is already making it harder for clubs to sign players.


"And ending freedom of motion will make it far more challenging for teams to attract the ideal talent, if the government brings in more restrictive conditions for work visas for gamers from Europe."


Voters in Burnley and Stoke both backed Britain's exit from the EU - 67% of citizens in Burnley stated they wished to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.


In a letter released on Wednesday reacting to concerns over liberty of motion, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch said the government "definitely acknowledges the value of sport to the UK" and "is figured out to ensure that our sport sector continues to flourish".


Currently, gamers from the EU are permitted to play expert football in England as part of freedom-of-movement guidelines, while those from outside the EU requirement work allows.


The government is in settlements with the EU over a contract on the between the 2 - if settlements stop working, it could mean a "no deal" Brexit, which may jeopardise those freedom-of-movement guidelines.


Crouch included that the government's white paper - which outlines its position on Brexit - sets out its aspiration to "negotiate a framework for movement" that will end totally free motion, however make it possible for individuals to continue to travel in Europe.


Stoke chairman Coates, whose family's Bet365 Group contributed ₤ 250,000 to the Remain campaign before the 2016 referendum, said he desired the best for the Championship club but that "it's difficult to seed how a messed up Brexit will assist".


"The unfavorable effects are plain for all to see," he included.


"The fall in the value of the pound that we've currently seen, as well as the risk to our country's financial prosperity, can not be brushed under the carpet.


"Depending on the Brexit offer, the Premier League, among our nation's success stories, might be harmed by freedom-of-movement restrictions. This might also impact the Championship.


"If this goes badly, it will be locations like Stoke that suffer one of the most."


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