CLUBS FEAR CULL OF EU TALENT

SCOTTISH football clubs have voiced fears of a Brexit blow if they are no longer able to recruit the best players from Europe.

The Scottish Professional Football League’s (SPFL) concerns over freedom of movement were highlighted in a report published by SNP Brexit Minister Mike Russell yesterday.

It brings together the concerns of a range of sectors – including farming, aviation and academia – about the impact of Brexit on

staffing, profitability and growth.

The Scottish Government report notes foreign players “add enormously to the standard of the game in Scotland” and “generate increased profile and much-needed revenue from overseas broadcast contracts in over 150 countries”.

The ability to attract and retain staff is cited as a major concern for businesses, including shortbread firm Walkers of Aberlour, who employ about 500 seasonal workers from the EU. At the University of Edinburgh, 26 per cent of university staff and 15 per cent of students come from the EU, while Angus Growers warn there is already a 5-10 per cent shortage of workers in the soft fruit sector.

Glasgow Airport also warned airlines could lose the legal framework to fly some routes without new agreements being agreed pre-Brexit.

Managing director Amanda McMillan said: “A number of airlines have stated they will scale back their UK growth plans, focusing instead on adding capacity at airports in the EU.”

Russell said: “This report articulates the concerns of Scottish businesses as the Brexit clock ticks towards the UK’s departure from the EU.

“It is clear there is a great deal at stake for every business.

“Their voices must be listened to before irreversible decisions are taken.”