England at risk of being BOOTED OUT of World Cup because of Government, Premier League warns

PREM chiefs have publicly warned the Government that the planned Football Regulator could risk England being booted out of the World Cup.

Sun Sport revealed last week how some amendments set to be tabled by MPs to the Bill going through Parliament to set up the Regulator could be viewed as “government interference” by Fifa and Uefa.

And in a letter to the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, Prem chief executive Richard Masters suggested that the new body could become a serious impediment to England being allowed to play in international competitions if it is not truly independent.

Masters, who was asked last month to explain the League’s concerns, said: “The Government appears to have written a stronger role than anticipated for itself in this regime.

“This may lead to pressure for a future Secretary of State to further expand the scope and powers of the Regulator beyond financial sustainability.

“It is important the Regulator is, and is seen to be, fully independent of Government.

“Currently, the Bill demands the Secretary of State must write a Football Governance Statement every three years, as well as have the ability to expand the types of financial conditions that can be imposed on clubs.

“The Government would be able to designate additional Premier League revenue to be eligible for redistribution, and to determine what ‘significant influence’ means when it comes to ownership.

“This is in addition to a very specific clause that states the Regulator must have regard to the trade and policy objectives of the Government when making decisions about the suitability of owners and directors.

“If this goes too far, it may even conceivably present issues with Fifa and Uefa, whose Statutes ban state interference in competitive football.”

The Government hit back at Masters’ argument, branding his claims “completely untrue”.

A DCMS spokesman added: “The Regulator will be set up as a new public body to ensure its full operational independence from both the football authorities and Government.

“The issues we’ve seen in the game in recent years have demonstrated that football needs a strong body to independently apply reformed rules to overcome these challenges that the industry has failed to tackle.

“We will continue to engage with the football authorities, including FIFA and UEFA, as the Bill progresses through both Houses of Parliament.”

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The Government hit back a Masters’ argument, branding his claims “completely untrue”.

A DCMS spokesman added: “The Regulator will be set up as a new public body to ensure its full operational independence from both the football authorities and Government.

“The issues we’ve seen in the game in recent years have demonstrated that football needs a strong body to independently apply reformed rules to overcome these challenges that the industry has failed to tackle.

“We will continue to engage with the football authorities, including FIFA and UEFA, as the Bill progresses through both Houses of Parliament.”

Last month, the English FA announced plans to scrap all replays in the FA Cup.

Every round will now also be played on a weekend.