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

16 August 2018


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


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


Stoke chairman Peter Coates included that the Premier League might be struck by freedom-of-movement restrictions.


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


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


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


"And ending liberty of motion will make it a lot more tough for teams to bring in the best skill, 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 voters in Burnley stated they wished to leave, while the figure was 69% in Stoke.


In a letter launched on Wednesday reacting to questions over flexibility of motion, Sport Minister Tracey Crouch stated the federal government "absolutely identifies the worth of sport to the UK" and "is identified to guarantee that our sport sector continues to thrive".


Currently, gamers from the EU are enabled to play professional football in England as part of freedom-of-movement rules, 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 between the two - if negotiations fail, it could indicate a "no deal" Brexit, which might jeopardise those freedom-of-movement guidelines.


Crouch added that the federal government's white paper - which outlines its position on Brexit - sets out its ambition to "work out a structure for movement" that will end free motion, however enable individuals to continue to take a trip in Europe.


Stoke chairman Coates, whose family's Bet365 Group contributed ₤ 250,000 to the Remain campaign before the 2016 referendum, said he desired the very best for the Championship club but that "it's tough to seed how a botched Brexit will assist".


"The negative effects are plain for all to see," he included.


"The fall in the value of the pound that we've currently seen, in addition to the risk to our country's economic success, can not be brushed under the carpet.


"Depending on the Brexit deal, the League, among our country's success stories, could be damaged by freedom-of-movement constraints. This could likewise affect the Championship.


"If this goes severely, it will be locations like Stoke that suffer the a lot of."


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