Wenger fears for English game

Gunners boss admits future concerns

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 28th September 2007

Wenger Arsene

Wenger: Future fears

Related links

Teams

Also see

Arsene Wenger has admitted serious fears for the future of English football.

The Arsenal manager believes the domestic game in England is in danger of being severely damaged by mass media coverage and new club ownership.

Arsenal are themselves reported to be the takeover target of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and Wenger insists the increasingly business orientated ownership of English clubs is another damaging factor.

"English football is losing his soul," Wenger told France Football. "Fans are the keeper of our football.

Danger

"But the first signs of danger are there to see. Stadiums are starting to empty, TV channels and radio stations are overcrowded with football.

"There is a kind of overdose looming.

"Suddenly the English model has gone from owner-supporters to owner-businessman.

"The danger wasn't there yesterday but it's there today. Of course you can have business integrated into the sport while still respecting the values of football.

"However perhaps it is time for people to worry."