Kieran Maguire: Leeds have just been hit with transfer ‘setback’ after ‘problematic’ reveal
An independent regulator for English football (IREF) could make recruitment more difficult for the likes of Leeds United.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review published last Wednesday (24 November).
A levy on transfers for top-flight teams and the introduction of IREF to ensure fan representation at board level are among its recommendations.
The aim is to address financial imbalances between the Premier League, Football League, and the rest of the pyramid.
Leeds United Supporters Trust have thrown their weight behind the review’s proposals in a statement published shortly after its release.
But Maguire argues that the transfer tax and redistribution model put forward could leave ambitious clubs like Leeds out of pocket.
“It’s easy to see why they would be sceptical,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“First of all, the EFL doesn’t particularly want greater regulation themselves, but they realise they have to offer something in return.
“A club such as Leeds will see that, proportionately, they could be worse off than other clubs under this system.
“They don’t have the benefit of huge commercial deals or Uefa TV monies.
“It could potentially increase the gap between ambitious clubs like Leeds who want to break the glass ceiling and the elite themselves.
“They will have less money because of this levy and that is a setback in terms of recruitment.
“So you can see why this might be problematic for a club such as Leeds.“
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani, who is plotting stadium redevelopment at Elland Road, has made no secret of his desire to join the top-flight’s elite.
But the Whites are currently 17th in the Premier League after their 0-0 draw with Brighton on 27 November.
In other news, Danny Mills tells Tyler Roberts to consider his Leeds United future after reveal in last 24 hours.