UEFA hits back at criticism

English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore's opinion that UEFA should no longer run the game across Europe is 50 years out of date, European soccer's ruling body said yesterday.

Scudamore yesterday argued that UEFA should stick to running club competitions, such as the Champions League and UEFA Cup, and that the Premier League needed no help from outside.

"This brings back memories of 1955 when England decided not to take part in the very first European Cup. They were out of date with their ideas then and now Mr Scudamore is 50 years too late," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told Reuters.

Scudamore wrote yesterday: "UEFA is not and should not be the governing body of European football - they have their own competitions to run and should be free to do so as they see fit, just as we have ours."

Gaillard hit back saying: "Scudamore should realise that his own Football Association recognises UEFA and I would also urge him to consult his members before making these remarks."

In his letter, Scudamore also criticised plans for an overhaul of European football, saying there was no need for politicians and EU officials in the English game.

He was responding to plans led by Britain's Sports Minister Richard Caborn to bring European football and the EU closer together and give more power to UEFA.

"The Beautiful Game is in danger of becoming Europe's latest political football," Caborn wrote.

League isolation

Caborn, however, warned Scudamore against isolating his league.

"Richard is in the market place of Europe and it is in his interest that we evolve this new governance, otherwise English football will be at a distinct disadvantage."

Scudamore also criticised suggestions that a cost control mechanism, designed to keep a lid on salaries, could be introduced in Europe.

Turning to Caborn himself, Scudamore said: "The Premier League has huge respect for Richard Caborn and the job he does - but there is no need for a pseudo-European Sports Minister pushing an agenda that runs counter to continued success for the Premier League.

"When it comes to the Beautiful Game, the only thing that should be kicked round Europe is a ball."

Scudamore's comments coincided with an EU sports ministers meeting in Brussels to decide the content of a future White Paper on the subject of sport in Europe.