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

16 August 2018


Brexit might be "extremely harmful" to English football, claim 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 included that the Premier League could be hit by freedom-of-movement limitations.


"The devastating Brexit course being pursued by the government threatens to have a hugely destructive impact on clubs across the nation," said Garlick.


Speaking with individuals's Vote campaign,, external he added: "It threatens to make the expanding inequality gap in our leading department 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 gamers.


"And ending liberty of motion will make it a lot more challenging for teams to bring in the right skill, if the federal government brings in more limiting 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 said they wanted to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.


In a letter launched on Wednesday responding to questions over liberty of motion, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch stated the federal government "definitely identifies the value of sport to the UK" and "is determined to make sure that our sport sector continues to thrive".


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 permits.


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


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


Stoke chairman Coates, whose household's Bet365 Group contributed ₤ 250,000 to the Remain project before the 2016 referendum, said he desired the finest for the Championship club however that "it's difficult to seed how a botched Brexit will help".


"The negative repercussions are plain for all to see," he added.


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


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


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


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