Corbett rubbishes "absurd" claims about football
The Deputy Leader of Labour MEPs in the European Parliament has slammed media reports claiming the European Union is effectively planning a coup on football in Europe.
Following the presentation of the Independent European Review of Football to Tony Blair on Tuesday, media reports suggested the EU will use the review to take control of the game across Europe.
Richard Corbett, who was one of only two MEPs to sit on the Review, dismissed the claims as "absurd" and made clear the Independent Review's objectives.
He said: "The Independent Review was set up by governments under Britain's Presidency of the EU and is backed by UEFA.
"It holds no power and was created to evaluate the state of football in Europe, then make recommendations about the future of the game to UEFA, national authorities and the EU. To claim it is a plot by the EU to seize control of football is utterly absurd."
One of the Independent Review's key recommendations is for the EU and UEFA to agree a formal legal framework which would clearly define the legal relationship between the two, a move which Mr Corbett claims would offer greater protection to football.
He said: "If a legal framework is set up it will actually give football in Europe more freedom from the strict application of current EU legislation on, for instance, competition policy. Should it go ahead more of UEFA's rules will remain exempt from EU legislation.
"By recognising each other's powers the EU can help UEFA ensure football becomes more stable, more transparent, more competitive and ultimately more popular."
Richard Corbett is the MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber.
Apart from the two MEPs, others that sat on the Independent European Football Review were: academics, finance professionals, civil servants and judges in the world Court of Arbitration in Sport; it was chaired by Jose Luis Arnaut.
A full copy of the Independent European Football Review can be read at http://www.independentfootballreview.com
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