FOOTBALL IS BEST LEFT ALONE - LIZ LYNNE

4.16.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Mar 2007

As the European Parliament prepares to debate a report on the future of professional football, local Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne is busting the 'Euromyth' that the EU plans to take over football.

Commenting from Brussels, Liz said:

"Due to some misguided press at the Committee stage, I have to stress this Report is not about the EU taking over football and we in the Liberal group have been at the forefront of tabling amendments to make that absolutely clear.

"Aspects of the report must be welcomed, such as calls for increased protection of discarded academy players and reaffirming the role of self regulation. Football in Europe is well run, professional and a model of self-regulation. Just last week the Chief Executive of Chelsea was explaining to MEPs that his club's academy players are required to study part time AS levels and many local teams in the West Midlands use the FA's 'Football in the Community' project to interact with thousands of local children every year, encouraging interest in sport and nurturing young talent. If that is not a good enough advert for self regulation I don't know what is.

"There is no appetite in the Commission or the Council for any football legislation and our amendments make it clear that Europe's institutions must stay well clear of the political bodies already in place. National associations, leagues and clubs are best placed to make the right decisions."

ENDS