Blatter Calls On Eu To Act On Foreign Ownership
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has waded into the war of words over foreign ownership of UK football clubs, telling the European Union that they need to clamp down on such investments.
Said Blatter: ‘Something has to be done about these billionaire owners. These days you can buy a club as easily as you buy a football jersey. There is something wrong and that’s why I ask the European Union to act.
‘This is not just about England where the problem is acute. This will spread across Europe.’
The acquisition of Manchester City by the Abu Dhabi United Group in September made them the latest Premier League team to benefit from wealthy foreign investors.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are among other high-profile teams in the English top flight under foreign ownership.
Blatter is concerned at the fate of such clubs should the economic downturn affect foreign owners.
He added: ‘Some of these owners prefer horse racing, others like to buy a Formula One team, now buying a football club is the big attraction.
‘There are national laws in Switzerland, for example, when you buy property or make an investment, you must prove yourself. You have to prove your link with the area.
‘We must ask ourselves about what motivates these owners and are they really interested in the game or just making money?
‘There must be better control of football’s finances especially in the difficult climate we are facing. I urge UEFA to work with the EU to tighten up the rules, otherwise there will be big financial difficulties in the future.’
