2024-09-15 08:39:29
Are harsh penalties looming for English football? UEFA is apparently a thorn in its side when it comes to having a regulatory body.
According to the Times England, UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis has warned of serious consequences regarding the plans of a regulatory authority in English professional football. In a letter to Sports Minister Lisa Nandy, he demanded that there should be “no government interference in the organisation of football”.
According to the report, which is based on a copy of the letter, Theodoridis warned against the far-reaching powers of the planned authority to monitor clubs in England’s top leagues. He also criticised the possibility that the authority could influence the distribution of TV money.
Theodoridis stressed that there are “special rules” to prevent state interference and to preserve the autonomy and fairness of sport. The most serious sanction for non-compliance would be “the exclusion of the association from UEFA and the teams from competitions”. In the worst case scenario, England could not take part in the 2028 European Championship. A draft law for a new regulatory authority was presented in the spring.
This is intended to give it extensive powers in key areas of the top five leagues of men’s football in England. It is intended to protect clubs from financial mismanagement and prevent rich clubs from joining the Super League. The draft also provides for a new suitability test for potential club owners.