Football must be reformed in wake of European Super League controversy, says Cheshire MP

Lifelong Manchester United fan Mike Amesbury MP says the collapse of the European Super League plan is a ‘relief’ but must trigger the overdue reform of the game.

A fans’ backlash put paid to the ESL which would have involved a breakaway by Premier League clubs including United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The Weaver Vale Labour MP said: “It’s a relief the Super League has been relegated to the dustbin of history thanks to the power of the fans’ voice but there’s unfinished business here.

“This episode has magnified how divorced the greedy football club owners have become from the people who support these teams week in, week out.

“There was contempt for supporters from the outset and now the current owners cannot even afford the courtesy of an apology.

“It has highlighted that reform of the ownership and governance model is vital - and long overdue - as is the need for independent regulation. The current system is broken. I support a fans’ ownership model with the fans’ voice centre-stage.”

Mr Amesbury wrote to brothers and co-chairmen of Manchester United, Avram and Joel Glazer, whose family own the club, as soon as news about the breakaway emerged. Joel Glazer would have

become joint vice-chairman of the ESL.

The MP’s letter read: “I write as a lifelong Manchester United supporter as well as for constituents who have expressed their anger and dismay at the involvement of Manchester United in the proposal for a European Super League.

“I have constituents who have told me of their outrage at the suggestion of a self-appointed elite of football clubs who will no longer have to qualify for this European competition alongside their peers. This is a drawbridge driven by the relentless pursuit for dollars and pounds at the expense of our history, our national game, our genuine support base and grassroots football.”

He concluded: “I stand shoulder to shoulder with every Manchester City fan, Liverpool fan and all those at the 12 clubs that make up this hall of shame.”

Pictured - Mike Amesbury MP.