Furious West Ham co-owner David Sullivan launched an astonishing late night TV rant at the Government over its regulator plans.
As many Hammers fans will be aware, there has been a lobby for an independent regulator to be brought into football which would have power to sanction clubs – including West Ham – if they break financial and other rules.
UEFA, the Premier League and the FA currently regulate the football West Ham are involved in. And the Premier League has said it “recognises and accepts the case for reform” but that a regulator “is not necessary”.
The issue has already sparked a number of very public rows between outspoken champion of an independent regulator Gary Neville and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady.
Overnight it was announced the Government will publish its White Paper on football governance today (Thursday), and has now confirmed it will act on a recommendation from the 2021 fan-led review of football to create a regulator.
It says a new independent football regulator will test the fitness of owners, ensure clubs are run sustainably and could stop clubs joining breakaway leagues.
“These bold new plans will put fans back at the heart of football, protect the rich heritage and traditions of our much-loved clubs and safeguard the beautiful game for future generations,” says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The announcement has provoked the anger of West Ham majority owner Sullivan.
‘Go ahead and name me’ Furious West Ham co-owner David Sullivan’s astonishing late night TV rant at Government over regulator plans
‘Go ahead and name me’ said furious West Ham co-owner Sullivan as he slammed the Government over regulator plans in a late night TV rant.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol revealed that Sullivan usually prefers to remain anonymous in their conversations, but not on this occasion.
“He feels so strongly about this issue that he said to me ‘Go ahead and name me, I want people to know who I am’,” Solhekol said on Sky Sports.
Here’s what Sullivan had to say on an “incompetent” Government’s “terrible idea”.
“It’s a terrible idea.” Sullivan told Sky Sports.
“The government are terrible at running everything. Look at the mess the country’s in. We pay the highest taxes for the worst service from the worst government I’ve seen in my life.
“The regulator will have a huge staff that football will have to pay for. It will be a total waste of money. I bet it grows in size and cost every year. In every area this government is involved in, it has provided a worse service.
“The Premier League is the best run, most successful league in the world. It gives away more money to lower leagues, grassroots and the PFA than any other league anywhere. It’s a fantastic export. Why does an incompetent government think it will improve things?
“The government are doing this for PR. They think it will be a PR win to be seen to back the ordinary football supporter and smaller clubs, but it won’t get them a single extra vote. I believe in free enterprise, not government interference.”
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