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

16 August 2018


Brexit could be "extremely damaging" to English football, declare two chairmen.


Burnley chairman Mike states uncertainty over a deal with the European Union is already making it harder for clubs to sign players.


Stoke chairman Peter Coates added that the Premier League could be struck by freedom-of-movement limitations.


"The destructive Brexit path being pursued by the federal government threatens to have a hugely harmful impact on clubs across the country," stated Garlick.


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


"The hit to the value of the pound against the euro, mainly caused by Brexit unpredictability, is already making it harder for clubs to sign players.


"And ending liberty of movement will make it far more difficult for teams 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 wished to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.


In a letter launched on Wednesday reacting to concerns over liberty of motion, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch said the government "absolutely identifies the worth of sport to the UK" and "is figured out to make sure that our sport sector continues to grow".


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


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


Crouch included that the government's white paper - which outlines its position on Brexit - sets out its ambition to "work out a structure for mobility" that will end free motion, but make it possible for 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, said he desired the finest for the Championship club but that "it's tough to seed how a messed up Brexit will help".


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


"The fall in the value of the pound that we have actually already seen, in addition to the threat to our country's economic success, can not be brushed under the carpet.


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


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


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