Gary Neville has revealed an open letter to petition for change in Premier League regulation, after attempts at a breakaway European Super League.
Neville was one of the most vocal and visible critics of the plans, and has revealed a letter calling for two major changes to regulation.
The letter is co-signed by, among others, Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher and Micah Richards.
Gary Neville open letter
"As football fans, we were appalled by the attempt to set up a European Super League," the letter begins.
"It was a direct threat to the integrity of the game; destroying the concept of sporting merit and open competition.
"Supporters came together with one voice to oppose the cynical power-grab by a group of wealthy owners. The furious protests were heard and the breakaway fell apart.
"Now we must make sure this never happens again. Without swift and direct intervention, the return of a European Super League will be a constant threat.
"We welcome the fan-led Government review of the game and hope it leads to lasting change on an array of important concerns; including co-ordinated strategies to deal with racism, supporters’ representation within clubs, LGBTQ issues, ticket costs and the distribution of income. All of those aims can be realised if we take decisive action now.
Action
"It is time to act. We support:
- Government legislation to block any Premier League clubs attempting to abandon the country’s football pyramid.
- The appointment of an Independent Football Regulator.
"This regulatory body would have a duty to represent the interests of supporters, protect against bad practices, adjudicate as the overarching body on matters involving the FA, Premier League and EFL and, generally, seek to prioritise the wider good of the game, rather than allow clubs to act solely in their own self-interests.
"We, the undersigned, have a voice in the media.
"We want your voices to join with ours.
"Your voices are more important.
"Say ‘No’ to a European Super League.
"Say ‘Yes’, to changing the game for the better.
"Sign this petition to make your voice heard peacefully:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/584632
Signed:
Jan Aage Fjörtoft
Joel Beya, CheekySport
Jamie Carragher
John Cross
Rob Draper
Rio Ferdinand
Darren Fletcher
Tom Greatrex, FSA
Oliver Holt
Stephen Howson, Stephen Howson TV
Rory Jennings
Gary Lineker
Robbie Lyle, AFTV
Paul Machin, Redmen TV
Andy Mitten, United We Stand
Gary Neville
Chris Pajak, Redmen TV
Jamie Redknapp
Micah Richards
Spencer Owen, Hashtag United
Stretford Paddock
Henry Winter
Laura Woods"
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