Nev says it’s time for reset
GARY NEVILLE believes English football has a “real opportunity” to seize back control from the Premier League’s ‘Big Six.’
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review has received widespread backing after it recommended changes including appointing an independent regulator, a Premier League transfer levy, golden shares and fan accountability.
Sky pundit and Manchester United legend Neville, now part owner of League Two Salford, firmly believes it can create a reset for the beautiful game in the wake of the European Super League fiasco.
Neville, who is part of ‘The Saving the Beautiful Game’ action group, called out the owners of United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea and said an independent regulator is vital to stop Premier League clubs calling the shots.
The former England defender said: “Joel Glazer, Roman Abramovich, Stan Kroenke, Sheikh Mansour, JW Henry and Daniel Levy
should not be in charge of English football.
“Does anybody in this country think that those six people should have the biggest influence on the running of English football? Absolutely not.”
The 10 per cent transfer levy – which would bring in around £150m a year from deals – has already upset Premier League clubs but would be a lifeline for League One and Two clubs as well as at grassroots level.
But Prem clubs are unhappy that they are expected to bail out badly run EFL clubs while they already make substantial solidarity payments.
Neville added: “I would expect the Regulator to come down really hard if EFL clubs are not able to financially control and ensure sustainable football.
“I’m not expecting the money to just wash down from the Premier League.
“This is a real opportunity to reset the recklessness in the game, chasing that Premier League ‘Golden Ticket.’”