Bowles stands up for local football teams

1.58.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 8th May 2008

Sharon Bowles - ensuring money for our local teams

Local Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles is standing up for local football teams in the South East - championing the collective selling of media rights that allows small clubs to compete with the famous teams.

Speaking in the White Paper on Sport Debate, Sharon told the European Parliament:

"In sport we must not let good intentions bring unintended consequences. Economic competition rules can not always apply - collective selling of television rights is the financial lifeline for many clubs that would otherwise be squeezed by the famous"

She explained further:

"I welcome the commitment of both the Commission and Parliament to this principle and in rejecting the situation in Spain where clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid solidify their dominance through vast revenues gained by individual selling of media rights.

"Collective selling ensures that clubs such as Portsmouth or Reading can compete on a more even footing and that the success of the Premier League is enjoyed by all clubs, not just the Manchester Uniteds of this world".