FFP/PSR Riot: Newcastle fans in total agreement to take a brutal action regarding the FFP controversy” reports..
Chapters I and II of the Competition Act 1998 could offer Newcastle United solace amid their FFP/PSR struggles
Accept the loss of points? Disregard the Premier League and act freely? Or take legal action against the establishment, like the Premier League’s hated Manchester City have done lately. All of these suggestions were made by Newcastle United supporters after the FFP/PSR controversy erupted once more over the weekend.
Supporters have the opportunity to restore professional football to its most basic form over a few weeks without Premier League play.
Millions of people are focused on Euro 2024, with little regard for transfer fees, business transactions, contracts, or FFP. When supporters were herded back into the St. James’ Park arena over the weekend, only hate speech was elicited. Pride is the only thing that matters.
Many anticipated a star-studded squad three years into the takeover process, especially after the team qualified for the Champions League ahead of schedule. Instead, Toon executives are scrounging about for freebies and mid-table fare while contemplating a hesitant sale, despite their impressive £700 billion valuation.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon were reportedly linked to transfers to Premier League rival clubs over the weekend. Fume broke out as predicted. As the likes of indebted Manchester United and extravagant Chelsea blow billions on transfer costs, who can blame the Toon faithful?
In the end, Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh were given up to maintain the balance sheet’s integrity. The existing rules encourage selling the club’s brightest young prospects; this is in direct opposition to the FA and Premier League’s vision for the game, don’t you think?
Aston Villa, a club in a similar position to Newcastle last year as they prepare to take on Europe’s elite, are also frustrated. Owner Nassef Sawiris is another threatening legal action as he tries to shake up the status quo.
“Some of the rules have actually resulted in cementing the status quo more than creating upward mobility and fluidity in the sport,” he told the Financial Times last month. “The rules do not make sense and are not good for football.”
“Instead of focusing on what the team needs, managing a sports team now more closely resembles being a bean counter or treasurer. Making paper profits rather than actual money is the main goal. Instead of being an athletic event, it turns into a money game.
The brutal reality is how FFP/PSR restrictions are now pushing the boundaries of UK law. Chapters I and II of the Competition Act 1998 “prohibits anti-competitive agreements between businesses and the abuse of a dominant position in a market”.
When Newcastle receives funding from a royal, they have to act like paupers. And for what advantage? In order for the same side to win the Premier League each season, the rest of the nation can observe.
Whether on purpose or not, FFP/PSR is working against English football’s best interests. The Magpies might want to start playing by the book if they are penalized points.
