Caborn wants club owners more fit and proper

Thaksin Shinawatra's political influence is extending to Britain.

Though Thaksin himself might or might not have much influence, his movement to take over English Manchester City has involved British Sports Minister Richard Caborn.

Caborn expressed concern over the moneyed outside influences that are starting to creep into the Premier League. Thaksin, who was ousted as Thailand's prime minister last year and is facing accusations of corruption, is the latest foreigner attempting to buy a Premier League club. Seven Premier League clubs have foreign owners.

Not that Caborn believes foreign ownership is bad, but that perhaps character should count. But he told the House of Commons that the league was a "billionaire's playground", and said he would meet with league officials, though the league denied a meeting was set. Caborn wants the league to strengthen its "fit and proper persons test", a review of all new owners.

Right now, Thaksin would pass that test, as he has no convictions to his name.

However, it is not known if Caborn will have any political pull, as his tenure as sports minister could end this week with a new government reshuffle.

"We have no plans to meet with Mr. Caborn at present," said a league statement. "However, we are happy to discuss the legal framework currently offered by government in relation to takeovers and mergers of UK companies, how this relates to the ownership of football clubs and how best to access information.

"Our own 'fit and proper persons test' sits on top of this regime as an additional layer of regulation. As always the Premier League are happy to work across government with whoever the appropriate ministers may be in the coming weeks."

The minister's office said the meeting is on. The office said the Football Association and the Football League will be in on the meeting.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.