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Brown says Platini's concerns are for football authorities
FIFA & UEFA - 21 September, 2007
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British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will not help UEFA president Michel Platini's mission to help curb the influence of money in football.
Platini sent a letter to all European leaders stating "the malign and ever-present influence of money" represented a "serious threat", and asked the governments to use their position as "the last hope for a healthy and balanced future of European football."
Brown replied that the money was beneficial.
"The Government supports the autonomy of sport and its right to self-regulation," said a spokesperson. "These are matters for the football authorities."
Platini is trying to slow down foreign investors from buying clubs in the Premier League.
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov is now the second largest shareholder for English Arsenal, while English clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Manchester City and West Ham have all been bought by foreign owners in recent years.
The Premier League will receive GBP 2.7 billion, over three seasons, for its new television deals.
"Money has always been in sport and football has had a professional component for 150 years," Platini said.
"But money has never been the ultimate objective of football: the main purpose has always been to win trophies."
Brown thinks the money starts at the top and works its way down.
"We believe that football can find a way forward. The recent Premier League broadcasting deal highlights this, with money being split amongst the league's clubs as well as being redistributed to the grassroots," said the spokesperson.
"We have made great strides through the Football Foundation with funding from government, the Premier League and the FA supporting over 4,000 community projects worth over half a billion pounds in seven years.
"There is no doubt that the influx of money into football is a testament to its success and has brought many benefits. It, of course, brings challenges too and we welcome the ongoing constructive debate within the game."
Platini, who was elected UEFA president in January, examines the role of agents, speaks out against racism and violence in the match and appeals for an increase in home-grown talent.
He also wants countries to save one of their Champions League places for the winners of its national cup competition.
Platini also wants the G14 to break up, drop several lawsuits it is supporting, and air its grievances through a new organization, the Professional Football Strategy Council.
The G14 represents 18 European clubs, with English clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all current members.
Platini sent a letter to all European leaders stating "the malign and ever-present influence of money" represented a "serious threat", and asked the governments to use their position as "the last hope for a healthy and balanced future of European football."
Brown replied that the money was beneficial.
"The Government supports the autonomy of sport and its right to self-regulation," said a spokesperson. "These are matters for the football authorities."
Platini is trying to slow down foreign investors from buying clubs in the Premier League.
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov is now the second largest shareholder for English Arsenal, while English clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Manchester City and West Ham have all been bought by foreign owners in recent years.
The Premier League will receive GBP 2.7 billion, over three seasons, for its new television deals.
"Money has always been in sport and football has had a professional component for 150 years," Platini said.
"But money has never been the ultimate objective of football: the main purpose has always been to win trophies."
Brown thinks the money starts at the top and works its way down.
"We believe that football can find a way forward. The recent Premier League broadcasting deal highlights this, with money being split amongst the league's clubs as well as being redistributed to the grassroots," said the spokesperson.
"We have made great strides through the Football Foundation with funding from government, the Premier League and the FA supporting over 4,000 community projects worth over half a billion pounds in seven years.
"There is no doubt that the influx of money into football is a testament to its success and has brought many benefits. It, of course, brings challenges too and we welcome the ongoing constructive debate within the game."
Platini, who was elected UEFA president in January, examines the role of agents, speaks out against racism and violence in the match and appeals for an increase in home-grown talent.
He also wants countries to save one of their Champions League places for the winners of its national cup competition.
Platini also wants the G14 to break up, drop several lawsuits it is supporting, and air its grievances through a new organization, the Professional Football Strategy Council.
The G14 represents 18 European clubs, with English clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all current members.
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