Brexit Could Have 'Extremely Damaging' Effect On Football Clubs, Say Chairmen
16 August 2018
Brexit could be "extremely destructive" to English football, claim two chairmen.
Burnley chairman Mike Garlick says unpredictability over a deal with the European Union is currently making it harder for clubs to sign players.
Stoke chairman Peter Coates included that the Premier League could be struck by freedom-of-movement constraints.
"The harmful Brexit path being pursued by the government threatens to have a hugely harmful impact on clubs throughout the nation," said Garlick.
Talking to individuals's Vote campaign,, external he added: "It threatens to make the widening inequality gap in our leading department even worse.
"The hit to the value of the pound versus the euro, largely triggered by Brexit unpredictability, is currently making it harder for clubs to sign players.
"And ending liberty of movement will make it far more difficult for groups to bring in the right skill, 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 voters in Burnley stated they wished to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.
In a letter released on Wednesday reacting to questions over flexibility of movement, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch stated the government "definitely acknowledges the value of sport to the UK" and "is identified to ensure that our sport sector continues to grow".
Currently, players from the EU are allowed to play expert football in England as part of freedom-of-movement guidelines, while those from outside the EU need work permits.
The federal government is in settlements with the EU over an agreement on the future relationship in between the 2 - if settlements stop working, it might indicate a "no deal" Brexit, which may jeopardise those freedom-of-movement guidelines.
Crouch added that the government's white paper - which outlines its position on Brexit - sets out its aspiration to "work out a framework for movement" that will end complimentary motion, but enable individuals to to take a trip in Europe.
Stoke chairman Coates, whose family's Bet365 Group contributed ₤ 250,000 to the Remain campaign before the 2016 referendum, stated he desired the very best for the Championship club but that "it's tough to seed how a messed up Brexit will help".
"The negative consequences are plain for all to see," he added.
"The fall in the worth of the pound that we have actually already seen, as well as the risk to our country's economic success, can not be brushed under the carpet.
"Depending upon the Brexit deal, the Premier League, among our nation's success stories, might be damaged by freedom-of-movement limitations. This might likewise impact the Championship.
"If this goes terribly, it will be places like Stoke that suffer the a lot of."
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