, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Digital,
Culture, Media, and Sport, is calling on broadcasters BBC, Sky
and Amazon to reject the European Super League proposals by
committing to not televising its games.
BT Sport and DAZN have publicly denounced the proposals and
distanced themselves from broadcasting Super League matches. The
Liberal Democrat MP has now written to BBC, Sky and Amazon urging
them to do the same.
In letters sent to the Head of Sport at Sky, Amazon, and
the BBC, Mr Stone emphasised the importance of football to local
communities and the duty of broadcasters to protect “the very
essence of football". Jamie adds “The proposals of a
European Super League threaten the very essence of football.” he
asks that the broadcasters commit to “never broadcast any games
should the league come to fruition.”
Following comments from the Secretary of State for Media
and Sport, MP, that the Conservative Government will launch its
fan led review, Mr Stone has called on the Minister to meet with
broadcasters and to devise a joint strategy to halt the
realisation of a European Super League.
After writing to the UK's major sports broadcasters, Jamie
Stone said:
“For many years now, we have seen Premier League football
evolve into a money-making machine that places greed above fans
and the communities they represent. The Super League proposals
are the most extreme example of oligarchs and tycoons robbing
fans of the game we love.
"I suspect that if these plans go ahead, fans will boycott
European Super League games. The final vestige of engagement with
these damaging proposals is therefore broadcast media.
Broadcasters must choose between fans and monetary greed. I am
confident that if the media, government, and most importantly
football fans come together, we can stop this nonsense.
"Mr Dowden’s commitment to launching a fan-led review has
come about two years too late. The 2019 Conservative manifesto
promised a fan-led review of football - had the Tories kept their
promise in good time, we could have avoided this calamity
entirely.
"I want to see an independent regulator established with
some real teeth - enough to take on the billionaire owners and
put power back into the hands of fans."
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
-
Named Day Question to DCMS can be found here.
Text below: To ask the Secretary of State for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will facilitate a
roundtable discussion with sports broadcasters and football
fan associations to discuss the European Super League
proposals.
-
Text of letter to BBC below:
I write to you today to add my voice to the chorus of
opposition that has spoken out against the idea of a European
Super League and urge you to support British football.
Football teams are rooted in local communities. It's what
makes the game so special. Football allows fans to connect with
their community and a create sense of belonging - something we
all seek and need.
The proposals of a European Super League threaten the very
essence of football. The elation with promotion; the jeopardy of
relegation; the nerves of derby day - all things that would
disappear should these proposals go ahead.
The BBC has a long and proud history of broadcasting the
national game - helping to connect different parts of our country
through a shared love of the game.
We know that broadcasters such as BT Sport and DAZN have
already confirmed their opposition to this League.
I know that you will do the right thing by our national
game and distance yourself from these proposals.
Will you make this position public and assure all of us
that you will never broadcast any games should the league come to
fruition?
Additionally - would you confirm interest in a meeting with
the Media and Sport Secretary, MP, and football fan associations to devise a joint
effort to combat the Super League proposals?
-
Text of letter to Amazon and Sky
below:
I write to you today to add my voice to the chorus of
opposition that has spoken out against the idea of a European
Super League and seek clarification on your position.
Football teams are rooted in local communities. It's what
makes the game so special. Football allows fans to connect with
their community and create a sense of belonging - something we
all seek and need.
The proposals of a European Super League threaten the very
essence of football. The elation with promotion; the jeopardy of
relegation; the nerves of derby day - all things that would
disappear should these proposals go ahead.
Broadcasters such as BT Sport and DAZN have already
confirmed their opposition to this League.
I am inviting you to clarify your position on the European
Super League proposals and commit to not broadcasting any games
should the league come to fruition.
Additionally - would you confirm interest in a meeting with
the Media and Sport Secretary, MP, and football fan associations to devise a joint
effort to combat the Super League proposals?
