“Money-Making Exercise for a Few Billionaires” – Ex-PM of UK Expresses Support for Massive Change in Soccer Amidst American PL Owners Selling Up Clubs

The increasing US ownership is raising concerns in the English soccer environment. Despite two American owners, FSG of Liverpool and the Glazers of Manchester United, putting the clubs on sale, English soccer fans think it’s time for FA and Government to act. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has asked for a regulator appointment in the English soccer pyramid.

However, Brown is not concerned with American owners only, but with other foreign investors too. Last year’s plan of a breakaway European Super League was the turning point where FSG and Glazers played a leading role. Pundits and fans think many owners think of a soccer club as a business.

Rising concerns over foreign owners in English soccer

The fans saw the breakaway league as a direct attack on the pyramid of English soccer and opposed it strongly. FA acted quickly, threatening the clubs that joined the league. As a result, the clubs parted ways with the breakaway league. 

But recent plans of American owners to sell Liverpool and Manchester United concern many. Also, with more US investors joining Premier League club ownership, there are calls for regulating the league to protect the interests of the fans and club heritage.

Gordon Brown, while pointing out these, demanded the quick appointment of the regulator. “Fans feel that with the attempted Super League breakaway, things almost went outside their control. We have to get a regulator to formalize the idea of a Golden Share for supporters to protect their club’s name and heritage and to introduce better financial checks and balances,” said Brown.

Ex-UK Prime Minister further added, “Otherwise, the game will move further away from its original purpose of being part of a network of people at the grassroots supporting football and instead become a money-making exercise for a few billionaires.”

American owners in the Premier League

The recent acquisition of the AFC Bournemouth by the American businessman Bill Foley makes it the 10th club in the current Premier League season owned by an American. The other clubs with complete or partial ownership by Americans include Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester United, and West Ham.

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What’s more concerning for fans is only Tottenham Hotspur is a big six club owned by a British. Gulf countries are also interested in English clubs, with Manchester City and Newcastle United already having owners from the Gulf. The list of foreign owners is increasing in English soccer. It boasts the largest revenue from TV rights with the best coverage worldwide being the primary reason.

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Let us know your opinions on the call for the regulator in the Premier League. Do you think the Premier League is the best soccer league in the world?