Premier League chief criticises Caborn's reform plans

LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters) Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has criticised plans for an overhaul of European football, saying there was no need for politicians and EU officials in the English game.

Scudamore, writing in The Times today, was responding to plans led by Sports Minister Richard Caborn to bring European football and the EU closer together, and to give more power to soccer's ruling body in Europe, UEFA.

Scudamore 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.

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

''It is domestic club football that is the driving force behind European competition and not the other way round.

''When it comes to how the game should govern itself we don't need special treatment...we have created the best domestic league in the world.'' He added: ''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.

''The idea that the rest of European football can decide what is best for the English game is a nonsense.'' He 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 coincide with an EU sports ministers meeting in Brussels to decide the content of a future White Paper on the subject of sport in Europe.

Reuters PDS VV1926