Share

Club chairpersons weary of Brexit impact

London - Premier League club chairmen have urged the British government to exempt footballers from immigration controls that are likely to be imposed once Britain exits the European Union.

Club executives believe Britain's withdrawal from the bloc could impede their ability to sign players from the continent, with Stoke City chairperson Peter Coates saying the league needed protection from such uncertainty.

"I'm pessimistic about leaving," Coates was quoted as saying by the Times after a meeting of executives from the top-flight clubs.

"Hopefully, football will find a way of looking after itself when it finally happens - whenever that will be."

West Ham's co-owner David Gold said Brexit had already limited Premier League clubs in the transfer window as the fall in the value of the pound made players more expensive.

"Brexit has already had an impact on us in that sense," Gold said.

"These guys are on huge salaries and all the tax is going into the exchequer. Why would you stifle that?"

The terms of the immigration controls will be formalised before the exit deadline on March 29, 2019, after Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Britain's two-year exit process on Wednesday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE