Blatter wary of foreign owners

Fifa chief wants stricter rules for foreign owners

Last updated: 7th October 2008

Sepp Blatter Fifa World Cup Preliminary Draw

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Fifa president Sepp Blatter has expressed his concern over the influx of foreign owners in English football.

Only eight of the 20 clubs in the Premier League are currently in English hands as foreign investors look to get involved in football.

The fears over the involvement of foreign owners in English football has been the subject of debate for some time and Blatter fears it could have an affect on the futures of a number of clubs.

"There must be better control of football's finances especially in the difficult financial climate we are facing," Blatter told reporters at the European Parliament.

Difficulties

"Something has to be done about these billionaire owners so I urge Uefa to work with the European Union (EU) to tighten up the rules ... otherwise there will be big financial difficulties in the future.

"It seems these days you can buy a club as easily as you buy a football jersey," Blatter said.

"There is something wrong here and that's why I ask the EU to act. Some of these owners prefer horse racing, others like to buy a Formula One team, now buying a football club is the big attraction.

"There's danger.

"These people arrive, buy the clubs but they can leave at any moment. That creates a risk of instability for these teams and the competition as a whole. Ideally a way should be found for clubs to be financed by local investors.

Blatter admitted he was not surprised by the interest in English clubs admitted the Premier League was the most attractive league in Europe.

"It's a logical phenomenon," added Blatter. "The Premier League is the most attractive championship. You see English football on television all around the world. There's an immense market."

What do you think of Blatter's comments? Let us know using the form below.

Comments

Ben Connelly (ipswich town fan) says...

Blatter seems to have a real problem with English football. As soon as we start becoming succesful in Europe again he wants to limit our effectivity by any means neccesary. First 6 + 5 and now this what hair brain scheme will he try next? You can't tell me, that England is the only country to have foriegn owners! If every club in England was only owned by local investors most clubs in England would struggle but that's not his real agenda is it? His agenda is limiting the success of England's top clubs.

Posted 03:32 8th October 2008

Ben Henshall (Manchester United fan) says...

I thought that they were trying to kick racism out of football. If Blatter is not racist towards the English game, who is?

Posted 22:02 7th October 2008

Michael Ball says...

I am tired of Blatter blathering. He negative to anything English. Does he realise that the Premier League is creating a lot of interest and finances for soccer. Does he understand that sport is entertainment and that then relates to money. I think his problem besides being anti English is that he is a meglomaniac and does not have the contol he wants!!

Posted 19:33 7th October 2008

Keith Partington says...

What is it with Blatter and Platini they must be running scared of the premier league because they keep trying to interfere . It miht not be good for football but if all this money was being poured into other leagues i doubt very much they would bat an eyelid long live the Premier League

Posted 15:45 7th October 2008

Paul Chapman (Manchester United fan) says...

Totally agree with you Tom, Blatter is 100% anti English. After dominating European football, until the tragedy of Heysel in 1985, we are finally back on track. Blatters reaction to this, wants to introduce the 6 + 5 rule, says its to help the national side! Considering its all about English football, give us a world cup then! But it's not about that, it's about the dominance of our clubs in the Champions League, and it gets under his skin.

Posted 09:29 7th October 2008

Tom Ward (Ipswich Town fan) says...

Well said, we should stop teams like Man City buying trophies instead of winning them!! Also he says the Premiership is the most attractive league in the world so how can that be him hating it?!!

Posted 09:13 7th October 2008

David Brookes (Manchester United fan) says...

Go Tom Ward! I agree, Blater has a real problem with English football, Platini does for that matter as well. Blater has previously spoke about a lack of passion in England for the game... HEEEELLLLO?

Posted 08:55 7th October 2008

Tom Ward (Manchester United fan) says...

blatter needs to shut his mouth ! What is his probelm he always has something to say about English football or the national team i am sick of hearing about him talk down about English football, I have a question for everyone why on earth is comeone in charge of FIFA who has such a clear hatred for English football ? Blatter should be fired as imcompentent i have never known someone so unprofessional in such a high ranking position in football. Blatter do one !!!

Posted 08:28 7th October 2008

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