Writing about football for two days running is something I never considered remotely possible, but this European Super League for billionaires has forced me into it. Johnson may have helped to demolish the proposal by telling people he would legislate if necessary to stop it. Now that the ESL plan seems to have collapsed, Johnson will claim all the credit, and once again promote himself as the true champion of ordinary fans. In contrast, Starmer looks increasingly like a beleaguered coach, trailing far behind. And all the while, the billionaire owners and their model of capitalism pretty much escapes unscathed. But only a week ago Johnson saw fit to get involved in Saudi Arabia’s £300m bid to buy Newcastle FC off Mike Ashley. According to the Guardian (15th April): ‘Johnson asked Edward Lister, his special envoy for the Gulf, to take up the issue, and Lord Lister reportedly told the prime minister: “I’m on the case. I will investigate.”’ Perhaps the ESL billionaires should have followed in Mohammed bin Salman’s footsteps and gone to the PM first. As regards Labour’s response, as expressed by the party’s shadow sports minister Alison McGovern MP football clubs should be owned by their fans. Perhaps this could be achieved if they were nationalised? How else will these lucrative (top club) corporations change hands?
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