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Suraj Radia

A ban for England? UEFA warns Premier League clubs face Champions League exclusion and Three Lions could be kicked out of Euros due to UK government plans

England
European Championship
Premier League
Champions League

UEFA has written a letter to the UK government threatening a ban for England from its competitions if there is interference with a planned regulator.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • UEFA warn of potential ban in letter to Culture Secretary
  • Officials demand no government interference of regulator
  • English teams' places in Europe under threat

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to The Telegraph, UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoris has written to Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, to stress that there should be 'no government interference in the running of football' and explicitly warned that the 'ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from UEFA and teams from competition'. Theodoridis emphasised the need for independence after proposals for a new regulator were brought forward by Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour Government in the King’s Speech.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The concept of an independent regulator has been suggested by both major UK political parties, with the notion initially put forward last year by the previous government. The regulator would oversee a licensing system to ensure clubs are run sustainably, take over a strengthened owners and directors test, and give fans a greater say in key decisions.

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    WHAT UEFA SAID

    An excerpt of the letter reads: "We do have concerns remaining... as normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.

    "One particular area of concern stems from one of Uefa's fundamental requirements, which is that there should be no government interference in the running of football.

    "We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition; the ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from UEFA and teams from competition."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND AND UEFA?

    Nandy reportedly has yet to respond to the letter but both the government and the footballing authorities have previously insisted they will work with all parties to ensure a fair and appropriate system will be implemented. Privately, officials are said to believe there is no risk of England being banned by UEFA.

    England's national team will continue their prepping for the Euros as normal, beginning with another international break next month where Lee Carsley's side will continue their Nations League campaign.