MP writes to Rugby League clubs opposing new proposals

Local MP Robbie Moore has written to Rugby League clubs across the UK to protest new rules which would see a new shake-up to the sport.

Introduced by American Sports management company IMG, the new proposals would see clubs exempted from relegation or eligible for automatic promotion based on factors outside of performance on the pitch.

Readers can view the full letter below.

Robbie Moore MP said:

As a reminder, the new proposals, which will require a majority of the 38 clubs and other stakeholders to vote in favour later this month, will see each rugby league team given a grade of A, B or C.

As votes are cast, the Super League clubs get two votes each and all other Clubs only getting one vote - which doesn’t seem fair.

Under the new proposal, the clubs which are classified as Grade A or achieve the top-flight places awarded to the highest scoring Grade B teams will be immune from relegation. This is my view is not fair and takes away from the thrill of sport.

In addition, even though competition is a key feature of sport, it is proposed that new metrics will be introduced in which a club moves up or down the rankings.

It is proposed that actual performance on the pitch will only have a 25% weighting in the overall grading of Rugby League clubs.

The remaining 75% weighting is non pitch performance related, and it is proposed to be broken down as follows:

IMG are proposing a category weighting of “fandom” (25%), which covers attendance and digital engagement of teams, “finances” (25%), which covers a club’s financial sustainability, “stadium”, which prioritises facilities and fan experience (15%) and “catchment” (10%), based on the areas population and the number for clubs in the surrounding area.

The Keighley Cougars have my full backing in their opposition to the IMG’s unfair proposals.

These plans are highly reminiscent of last year’s failed attempts to create an unfair ‘European Super League’ (ESL) for football, penalising clubs like the Cougars who have grafted hard to win and creating a new elitist venture where top clubs can pay-in to win with guaranteed immunity from relegation.

It is surely not compatible with the basic principles of sport and competition to consider factors like club finances, stadia, and fanbase when making promotion or relegation decisions. This should be decided by actual performance on the pitch.

I have met with the owners of Keighley Cougars, Kaue Garcia and Ryan O’Neil many times on this issue, including just last week in Parliament with the Minister of Sport and again this morning with Government Officials to raise our concerns.

For the good of the sport, and for the long term interests of fairness and success of the game, it is imperative that all Rugby League clubs reject the proposals being put forward.