Super League plans: the British government threatens

Super League plans: the British government threatens | Football

Posted On: November 20, 2021

Minister Oliver Dowden is in charge of sport in the UK.

London (AP) – The British government wants to stop plans for a European Super League by all means. So said the responsible minister Oliver Dowden in the British House of Commons.

“This move goes against the spirit of the game,” said Dowden, who described soccer as “one of the largest national institutions” in the country that needs protection.

First of all, it is up to the football associations to react. Therefore, he has met with representatives of the Football Association (FA), the Premier League and UEFA, the conservative politician reported. There are strong rules at the association level and they are now being rightly considered. “He has our full backing,” Dowden said.

Prince William, as president of the English football association FA, also joined the voices critical of the plans for the Super League. “I share the concerns of the fans about the Super League proposal and the damage it can do to the game we all love,” wrote the second in line to the British throne on Twitter. Now more than ever, the entire football community must be protected “from top to bottom, and the values of competition and justice at its core,” the Royal said.

However, if the associations cannot override the Super League plans, the government will act. “All options are on the table, we will explore all possibilities,” Dowden threatened. This could refer, for example, to regulations on management structures and competition law. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also criticized the plans as “bad news”.

Dowden also announced a fan-led review to ensure the long-term future of soccer. “If last year has taught us anything, it is that football is nothing without its fans,” said the minister.

Six English Premier League clubs, among others, had committed to founding a new European Super League, which will compete with the Champions League. With the exception of a few places, participation in the competition must be permanently reserved for a group of fewer top-tier clubs. However, the plans are met with widespread resistance from fanatics, politicians and associations.