Brexit Could Have 'Hugely Damaging' Effect On Football Clubs, Say Chairmen

16 August 2018


Brexit could be "hugely destructive" to English football, declare 2 chairmen.


Burnley chairman Mike Garlick states unpredictability over an offer with the European Union is currently making it harder for clubs to sign gamers.


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


"The destructive Brexit path being pursued by the federal government threatens to have an extremely damaging result on clubs throughout the nation," stated Garlick.


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


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


"And ending flexibility of movement will make it much more tough for groups to attract the right 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 wanted to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.


In a letter released on Wednesday responding to concerns over flexibility of movement, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch said the federal government "absolutely recognises the worth of sport to the UK" and "is figured out to ensure that our sport sector continues to flourish".


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


The federal government remains in negotiations with the EU over an arrangement on the future relationship between the two - if negotiations stop working, it could indicate a "no deal" Brexit, which may jeopardise those freedom-of-movement guidelines.


Crouch included that the government's white paper - which details its position on Brexit - sets out its aspiration to "work out a structure for movement" that will end free motion, however make it possible for people to continue to take a trip in Europe.


Stoke chairman Coates, whose household's Bet365 Group contributed ₤ 250,000 to the Remain campaign before the 2016 referendum, stated he wanted the very best for the Championship club however that "it's hard to seed how a botched Brexit will help".


"The negative effects appear for all to see," he included.


"The fall in the worth of the pound that we've already seen, along with the danger to our nation's economic prosperity, can not be brushed under the carpet.


"Depending on the Brexit offer, the Premier League, one of our country's success stories, could be harmed by freedom-of-movement limitations. This might likewise affect the Championship.


"If this goes severely, it will be places like Stoke that suffer the most."


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