Uefa chief fears identity crisis

Platini concerned by overseas ownership

Last updated: 9th October 2008

Michel Platini UEFA Euro 2008 press conference

Platini: Identity crisis

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Michel Platini believes Premier League clubs are losing their identity after the recent influx of foreign owners.

The Uefa president is dismayed by the recent trend of investors from overseas taking charge of England's top-flight clubs.

The Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover of Manchester City was the latest such move, and Platini feels football in England will suffer as a result as teams lose their roots within the community.

He said: "If you bring people from Qatar and there is no-one from Liverpool or Manchester at the club, where is Liverpool or Manchester?

"I think it is not good. I think the Qataris should invest in Qatar. They should develop the football in each country."

Identity

The former France international, now head of European football's governing body and one of the most powerful men in the game, is hoping to halt the trend.

"Can we do something against it? I will try to," he added.

"Do you want in Liverpool an Arab sheikh as president with one Brazilian coach and nine or 11 African players?

"Where is Liverpool in that? We have to make some rules.

"What is football? Football is a game and this game has become popular because of the identity.

"You have to have identity, that is where football's popularity lies."