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

16 August 2018


Brexit might be "extremely harmful" to English football, claim two chairmen.


Burnley chairman Mike Garlick states uncertainty over a handle 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 destructive Brexit course being pursued by the government threatens to have an extremely harmful effect on clubs throughout the nation," said Garlick.


Speaking with individuals's Vote project,, external he added: "It threatens to make the expanding inequality space in our top division even worse.


"The hit to the worth of the pound versus the euro, mainly brought on by Brexit unpredictability, is currently making it harder for clubs to sign players.


"And ending flexibility of motion will make it a lot more hard for groups to draw in the ideal talent, if the federal government generates more limiting 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 said they wished to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.


In a letter launched on Wednesday reacting to concerns over liberty of movement, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch said the federal government "absolutely recognises the value of sport to the UK" and "is determined to make sure that our sport sector continues to grow".


Currently, gamers from the EU are allowed to play expert in England as part of freedom-of-movement rules, while those from outside the EU requirement work allows.


The federal government is in settlements with the EU over a contract on the future relationship between the two - if negotiations stop working, it could mean 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 ambition to "work out a framework for movement" that will end complimentary motion, but enable individuals 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, said he wanted the finest for the Championship club but that "it's tough to seed how a messed up Brexit will help".


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


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


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


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


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