Share

EPL backs vote to stay in EU

London - Footballing powerhouse the Premier League weighed into the EU referendum debate on Monday, saying a departure from the Brexit would go against the "openness" of the league and all of its clubs.

"Nobody bears the scars more than me of having to go and negotiate in Brussels and try and organise things a little bit in our interests in terms of the European machine," Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore told BBC radio.

But he added: "Ultimately you can't break away, you can't just pull out, you have to get in and negotiate and try and organise and try and influence.

"There is an openness about the Premier League which I think it would be completely incongruous if we were to take the opposite position," he added.

Scudamore criticised the position taken by Brexit campaigners, who have argued that leaving the EU would allow Britain to "take control of its destiny".

"That doesn't seem to sit very well when you travel the world like we do, being welcomed because of the fact that we are open for business, open for discussion, and open for cooperation," he said.

The Premier League generated €3.3 billion of revenue last season, according to a report by Deloitte, and has worldwide television contracts worth €8.3 billion.

Outside of the EU "we would just be, I think, respected less around the world for not wanting to be part of something," Scudamore said.

But Vote Leave spokesman Robert Oxley saying: "EU rules hurt both our ability to develop homegrown talent and restrict access to the global talent pool.

"That's the worst of both worlds for football fans and the teams they support," he said, adding that money saved from paying into the EU budget could be spent on encouraging more grassroots sports.

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% - 2246 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