Leeds United in meeting with Government official as independent regulator talks continue
Representatives of Leeds United met with a senior UK government minister this week and raised concerns over a proposed new regulatory body for English football, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The plan for a regulator, which was confirmed by the UK government in February following a fan-led review, was highlighted by the West Yorkshire outfit as a potential issue in their annual accounts on Companies House on 9 April.
The report stated that its introduction would “materially impact both the club’s finances and elements of the way it currently operates” and those issues may have been brought to a head again after Ornstein’s report [17 April].
“Some clubs fear legitimate concerns are leading to overreach which could have unintended consequences on one of the country’s most successful industries,”he wrote.
“Last week’s meeting with Stuart Andrew, who became sports minister in September, involved at least eight top-flight clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Manchester United and West Ham United.
“Participants described it as ‘cordial’ but made clear their scepticism of the plans, telling The Athletic they are worried about the lack of “consultation”, ‘detail’ and ‘listening’. What was expressed (this week) was a concern we aren’t being heard, said one club representative, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships”, as revealed by Ornstein in his Monday column for The Athletic.
More pressing matters
The concerns over an independent regulator are warranted given the club’s financial concerns and the impending takeover of the club from 49ers Enterprises at the end of the season, but there are certainly more pressing matters at hand before that bridge can be crossed.
And that is the club battling against relegation which could further dampen their cause for sustainability in the future and also their long-term plans to build a youthful side capable of challenging in the Premier League.
The Leeds United focus and energy must be placed on their remaining eight games including Monday’s pivotal encounter against Liverpool [17 April] before any issues regarding an independent regulator can be brought to the fore.
The club certainly wouldn’t have been happy with the Government’s decision in February but any long-running concerns and complaints could needlessly take the attention away from what remains a tense and crucial period for the club as a whole.
In other Leeds United news, a months-long Whites transfer pursuit has now intensified for a sought-after Premier League prospect.