MP disappointed with football league proposals

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has expressed his disappointment with the recent news of the proposed creation of a European Super League which will guarantee places for the wealthy clubs whilst leaving behind the smaller clubs that rely more on fan-based support.

The proposed league would see teams play one another in midweek games in an attempt to have more matches between the big-name clubs including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool FC.

But fans and commentators have expressed fury at what they say would be an unfair competition that would lock many teams out of top European football. Protests have been seen outside many clubs’ grounds with both Liverpool fans and Leeds fans protesting outside Elland Road on Monday evening. Overall, the 12 founding football clubs would be permanent members and never face relegation – six of which are English clubs.

The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden MP made a statement in the House on Monday 20 April expressing how he was “appalled” by the announcement saying, “the move goes against the very spirit of the game.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to meet with fans, as well as members of the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League today.

Commenting Robbie said: “Like many, I don’t like the look of ‘The Super League’ proposals one bit. It goes against the principles of fairness and opportunity which are at the heart of football in this country.

“This past year, smaller football clubs have had to rely on loans, grants and the hard-work of volunteers to be able to survive. With these proposals, the flow of money from big clubs to small ones will stop, and I fear grassroots football in this country may collapse or be severely disadvantaged as a result of what is being put forward.

“It is an idea which has clearly ignored the views of the fans who make these clubs what they are. I will support the government in taking action.”