Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has claimed that the Premier League is still “the most competitive league in Europe”. Manchester City’s British-record £100m for Jack Grealish, combined with their pursuit of Harry Kane, has led to fears that Pep Guardiola’s side will be runaway leaders this season. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s own £97.5m move for Romelu Lukaku appears to demonstrate the difference in resources between some of England’s top clubs and the rest of the top-flight. However, Masters has dismissed claims that the gap between teams within the Premier League is widening.
Richard Masters said: “I don’t think that is the case. It certainly hasn’t been proven yet. I am expecting this season to be competitive and there are a chasing pack of clubs who want to get into those European places. We know the difference that can make to your finances and your overall future. The Premier League is the most competitive league in Europe. We want it to stay that way. I believe it still is.”
With the new season getting underway on Friday, Masters also issued a warning about online racist abuse. The Premier League confirmed earlier this month that players will continue to take a knee before games.
Richard Master said: “We have said very clearly that anti-discrimination is a massive priority for the Premier League. We won’t tolerate racism in our grounds or online. It should not be part of a professional footballer’s life to have to accept online abuse.
Players began taking a knee when football returned during Project Restart in June 2020, though Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and newly-promoted Brentford decided against continuing with the gesture in February, with both citing a lack of effectiveness.
Richard Master said: “I think taking a knee is a really powerful, unifying symbol. The players want to do it and we are happy to support that. I really don’t understand why anyone would want to object to it or boo it”.
Having been Premier League chief executive since December 2019, he also called on social media companies to be more proactive in preventing racist abuse.Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Jadon Sancho were all subjected to abuse after England’s defeat to Italy at Euro 2020.
Richard Masters added: “We have to keep putting pressure on social media companies – we are doing as much as we possibly can. We have a team of people who are working with the police and clubs to try to track these abusive messages, identify the people behind them and try to hold them to account.”
As capacity crowds make their return to the Premier League for the first time since March 2020, having been limited to 10,000 at the end of last season, Masters believes fans will understand the players’ decision to take a knee.
Richard Masters said: “My hope and expectation is that the vast majority of supporters will support it. We will wait and see this weekend. Obviously it has been going on for a year without supporters in the ground. We are not too concerned about any negative reaction because we believe it is the right thing to do.”
