IN FOR A PENNY, IN FOR A CENT

Lady Karren Brady, a Tory peer, knows her stuff and she has held her position in male-dominated business with considerable success. She is on the board of West Ham United and married to Canadian footballer, Paul Peschisolido. Her letter to professional football clubs concerning the Britain Stronger in Europe Campaign makes the following points.

She argues that cutting ourselves off from Europe will have a serious effect on the footballing economy and others.

• As 2016 first transfer deadline nears, football clubs are searching the global  transfer market for bargains or special deals.
• Being in the EU allows players in the EU freedom of movement, with no visas or special work permits necessary. Being in the EU allows clubs to secure the top talent from across the continent.
• There are 200 or more players in the Premier League who have benefited from this freedom. A majority of European stars presently with our clubs would not meet automatic non-EU visa criteria and might well have to leave Great Britain to ply their trade on the continent.
• Football fans also benefit, as the single market brings cheaper air travel. EU action to cut "roaming charges" has reduced fees on phone calls from abroad by 73% and by 2017 these will be reduced entirely. Fans can keep abreast of footballing news at no extra cost and stay in contact with the global game.
• The EU helps other sporting groups and individuals. There are schemes to promote sport in schools and also amongst the minorities and people with disabilities. Under the Erasmus programme anyone in Britain with a local football project can get money for the EU...I guess it won't happen at the drop of a hat, but it is possible!
• The Homeless World Cup and the Football League's Social Inclusion initiatives have benefited from such schemes and there are many others.
• Staying in the EU will enable Britain to gain knowledge and experience from various country's best practice. For example, benefiting from studies on match fixing and the action against doping.
• Britain's standards are the best in the world and this has been enhanced with backing from her European neighbours' experiences.