This is “RIDICULOUS” We have a Premier League that’s entitled, they feel entitled. I’m not going to use the word greedy but i just have”- Gary Neville slams Premier League for feeling ‘Entitled’ after Threat of BARRING Leicester City”
Gary Neville has criticized the Premier League for acting like “bullies” regarding the proposed Football Governance Bill, which aims to establish an independent football regulator under the new Labour government.
Support for an independent regulator gained momentum after the European Super League controversy in 2021. The previous Conservative government initiated plans, and Labour has since moved forward, promising to “protect” clubs and ensure their financial sustainability. If passed, the bill would empower a regulator to intervene in football when necessary.
Neville is a strong advocate for the regulator, believing it would protect the interests of English football fans at all levels. In contrast, the Premier League has expressed reluctance, with CEO Richard Masters warning of potential risks.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Neville condemned the Premier League’s hesitance, stating they seem entitled and selfish, likening them to a “big brother” that doles out resources. He characterized their attitude as bullying, suggesting they aim to manipulate the regulator for their own benefit.
Amid discussions of the regulator, there have been claims that clubs like Leicester City and Neville’s former team, Manchester United, might be barred from UEFA competitions due to the regulator’s policy against state interference. Labour’s Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Lisa Nandy, dismissed this notion as “ridiculous,” assuring that the government would not take a heavy-handed approach but rather focus on sustainability in football.
In response to Neville’s accusations, the Premier League stated they are engaged in ongoing talks with the new government regarding the regulator. They argue that “light-touch, targeted and proportionate legislation” could be effective. Masters reiterated concerns that the bill could harm the league’s competitiveness and global appeal, stressing that the Premier League’s success allows it to support the wider football community significantly.
He cautioned that regulatory intervention could destabilize the league, driving investment away from English football. Masters emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive balance and the potential risks of introducing uncertainty and red tape in an industry reliant on a small pool of passionate investors.
