Football best left alone

4.17.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 29th Mar 2007

Following the European Parliament's debate this week on a report on the future of professional football, London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford is busting the Euromyth that the EU plans to take over football.

Commenting, Sarah said:

"Despite misleading press reports, I have to stress this report is not about the EU taking over football and Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament 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. If that is not a good enough advert for self regulation, I don't know what is!"

"There is no appetite in Brussels for football legislation and Liberals and Democrats' 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."