Brexit Could Have 'Hugely Damaging' Effect On Football Clubs, Say Chairmen
16 August 2018
Brexit might be "extremely harmful" to English football, claim two chairmen.
Burnley chairman Mike Garlick says unpredictability over an offer with the European Union is currently making it harder for clubs to sign players.
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 government threatens to have a hugely harmful impact on clubs across the country," said Garlick.
Talking to the People's Vote project,, external he added: "It threatens to make the widening inequality gap in our top division even worse.
"The hit to the value of the pound versus the euro, largely by Brexit uncertainty, is currently making it harder for clubs to sign players.
"And ending liberty of motion will make it far more tough for teams to attract the best talent, if the government generates more restrictive conditions for work visas for players from Europe."
Voters in Burnley and Stoke both backed Britain's exit from the EU - 67% of citizens in Burnley stated they desired to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.
In a letter launched on Wednesday reacting to concerns over flexibility of movement, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch stated the government "definitely recognises the value of sport to the UK" and "is identified to ensure that our sport sector continues to thrive".
Currently, players from the EU are enabled to play professional football in England as part of freedom-of-movement guidelines, while those from outside the EU requirement work permits.
The federal government is in negotiations with the EU over a contract on the future relationship in between the 2 - if negotiations fail, it might mean a "no offer" Brexit, which might jeopardise those freedom-of-movement guidelines.
Crouch included that the government's white paper - which outlines its position on Brexit - sets out its ambition to "negotiate a framework for movement" that will end free movement, but allow individuals to continue to travel in Europe.
Stoke chairman Coates, whose family's Bet365 Group contributed ₤ 250,000 to the Remain project before the 2016 referendum, stated he desired the very best for the Championship club however that "it's hard to seed how a messed up Brexit will assist".
"The negative repercussions appear for all to see," he included.
"The fall in the worth of the pound that we've currently seen, as well as the threat to our nation's financial prosperity, can not be brushed under the carpet.
"Depending upon the Brexit deal, the Premier League, one of our country's success stories, could be harmed by freedom-of-movement limitations. This could likewise affect the Championship.
"If this goes terribly, it will be locations like Stoke that suffer one of the most."
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