British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spoken out on the situation regarding Reading FC’s ownership troubles and has admitted to having sympathy for the former Premier League outfit.
Reading supporters are just 24 hours away from finding out whether or not the club will be slapped with yet another points deduction, according to The Telegraph. This would potentially be the third of the campaign for the Royals.
Furthermore, The Telegraph also reported on Tuesday that Reading had been placed under another transfer embargo, the third within the last three months as the situation goes from bad to worse for the club.
However, the outlet have claimed that there are three suitors who are willing to enter negotiations with current owner Dai Yongge to purchase the club.
Speaking today to BBC Radio Berkshire, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was asked about the spiralling situation at Reading but gave a rather safe answer relating to a paper published by the government [quotes via James Earnshaw]:
“I have enormous sympathy. My hometown club Southampton also got relegated so was not a fun experience. In regards to this, we have published plans to tighten up governance on the football sector.
“Everyone can remember what happened with the Super League and I think we have to have more focus on these issues. There is quite a detailed paper which has been published by the government about how we do football governance and the role an independent regulator could play.
“They are a part of our heritage and really important parts of our communities. It is right that we look after them properly and so I would urge everyone to go online, google it and you will be able to read our plans.”
Within the interview, Sunak also ruled out buying the club, although not many will be surprised to hear that.
Writer’s View
Sunak’s answers were typical of a politician. The Prime Minister referred supporters to a governmental paper but this is merely the outlining of parliament’s plans to introduce stricter governance of ownership within football.
But these plans have not actually been put into action yet so Sunak’s answer has not exactly helped Reading supporters or put their minds at ease ahead of a daunting 24-hour period.
Furthermore, Southampton being relegated from the Premier League and Reading hanging on for dear life to still be called a football club is not the same situation, Rishi.
Deputy Head of Writing
