Soccer: Richmond - clubs have lost PR war
Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond conceded today that the clubs had lost the public relations battle in the row over television revenue - but he questioned the legality of the players’ intended strike.
And City supremo Richmond insisted that ‘‘there was a strong feeling within football’’ that the Premier League and Football League were justified in making their stand.
‘‘I agree that we have lost the PR battle by a landslide,’’ he said.
‘‘But I still think there is a strong feeling within football that some resolution will be sorted out and that we do, fundamentally, have right on our side on the moral high ground.’’
Richmond confirmed that at the latest meeting of the Premier and Football leagues today, chairmen had merely been brought up to date with the latest negotiations.
‘‘There is also a very serious question as to whether it the strike is legal.
‘‘Our advice is that under Trade Union law unless there is a dispute between an employer and an employee there is no legal right to strike.
‘‘There is also no legal obligation on behalf of the Premier League and Football League to pay the Professional Footballers’ Association anything at all.’’
Richmond added that 20% of all professional footballers will retire as ‘‘millionaires or multi, multi, multi-millionaires’’ and that if a 1% levy was placed on those players’ wages the proceeds would ‘‘more than fund the PFA’s excellent work’’.
The PFA insists they will proceed with strike action if they do not receive 5%, or £27.5m, of the latest television contract from the FA and the two leagues.
The three bodies have reportedly offered £10m but a compromise may be reached in the next few days.
