Football best left alone

3.23.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Mar 2007

Sharon with Richards Scudamore (Chief Executive of Premier League), a North West MEP, and Alex Williams (ex Goalkeeper for Manchester City FC and ambassador for the Football in the Community scheme)

As the European Parliament prepares to debate a report on the future of professional football, Sharon Bowles Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East is busting the Euromyth that the EU plans to take over football.

Commenting ahead of the vote tomorrow, Sharon said: "Due to some misguided press at the Committee stage, I have to stress this Report is not about the EU taking over football and the European Liberal group has been at the forefront of tabling amendments to make that absolutely clear.

"Aspects of the report must be welcomed, such as calls for increased protection of discarded academy players and reaffirming the role of self regulation. Football in Europe is well run, professional and a model of self-regulation. Just last week the Chief Executive of Chelsea was explaining to MEPs that his club's academy players are required to study part time AS levels, and local teams such as Reading FC through Football in the Community projects interact with thousands of local children every year encouraging interest in sport and nurturing young talent. If that is not a good enough advert for self regulation I don't know what is.

"There is no appetite in the Commission or the Council for any football legislation and my amendments make it clear that Europe's institutions must stay well clear of the political bodies already in place. National associations, leagues and clubs are best placed to make the right decisions."

ENDS