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Manchester United legend Gary Neville and ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan battle over government’s decision to introduce independent regulator in English football
talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan and Manchester United legend Gary Neville have clashed over the news that the UK government will establish an independent regulator in football.
The outspoken pundits collided on Twitter following the decision to implement a regulator that will have the power to sanction rule-breaking English clubs.
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Former sports minister Tracey Crouch chaired a review into football governance last year after a number of ownership incidents impacted the English game.
The failed European Super League project conducted by a number of Premier League owners received fierce criticism and protest, while the collapse of Bury FC and the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle have raised huge concerns.
Neville, a co-owner of League Two side Salford City, supported the changes, and suggested they should be discussed on Sky Sports with a Tweet saying: “How about the announcement today of the biggest reform in English Football since 1992.”
Former Crystal Palace owner, Jordan, wasn’t too pleased with the news though, with a reply criticising the report.
He said: “How about it doesn’t deal with the one thing that needs to be dealt with … re distribution of finances or that detail evade you?
“If absurd notion of independent regulation occurs, let’s hope your club Salford observes FFP [financial fair play] and SCMP [salary cost management protocol], as I’m not sure it does!”
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Neville purchased local club Salford City in 2014, along with former Man United teammates Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, and their investment has helped the team climb the leagues.
Neville defended his spending at Salford, saying the processes they use should be more widespread.
“The sports minister repeated what the report says that if football doesn’t do it then regulator will step in. The PL [Premier League] know the acceptable EFL [English Football League] deal,” he said
“You’re aware through L2 [League Two] SCMP rules we put our cash in up front at SCFC . Cash up front / Bank Guarantee should be in every league!”
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Jordan then continued to attack the report.
“Report is laughable, 162 pages of absurd , misrepresentative poor thinking,” he replied.
“Flawed inaccurate and any half sensible person drive a bus through 80% of it . With the other 20% having efficacy
“Btw get your house in order with FFP , as huge losses at Salford is hypocrisy.”
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However for Neville, he finds it hard to criticise plans that have received widespread support from both sides of the political divide.
“I don’t support FFP without an owner funding model and haven’t for 10-12 years,” he said.
“No [football] executives have ever moved government as much as they’ve moved with this report!
“Whilst I’m always sceptical of this lot your analysis is crass and incorrect . TC [Tracey Crouch] has cross party support.”
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