Premier League chair Sir Dave Richards apologises after day of gaffes

By Tom Degun at the International Sport Security Conference in Doha

March 15 – English Premier League chairman Sir David Richards (pictured) has formally apologised for his surprising antics that took place here yesterday that saw him accuse FIFA and UEFA of stealing football in England before rather symbolically ending the day by falling into a swimming pool.

During a panel discussion about growing sporting brands in a new market Richards, who is also chair of the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) and vice chairman of the English Football Association (FA), caused outrage as he hit out at the world and European football governing bodies.

But he has claimed that the comments were “lighthearted” and said he will write to both FIFA and UEFA to clarify the issue.

“I would like to apologise for any offence caused,” Richards said in a statement.

“It is important to clarify that I was expressing my personal views and not those of any organisation I represent.

“My comments on the heritage of the game were intended to be lighthearted.

“They clearly have not come across in that way and I sincerely regret making them and any resulting negativity that may have been interpreted towards FIFA and UEFA.

“I will be writing to both organisations in these terms.”

During the panel discussion, Richards had said: “England gave the world football.

“It gave the best legacy anyone could give.

“We gave them the game.

“For 50 years, we owned the game, we were the governance of the game.

“We wrote the rules, designed the pitches and everything else.

“Then, 50 years later, some guy came along and said: ‘You’re liars’, and they actually stole it.

“It was called FIFA.

“Fifty years later, another gang came along called UEFA and stole a bit more.”

But despite the apology, Richards’ reign of controversy did not stop there as he headed to a press conference and turned on hosts Qatar, suggesting that fans would boycott the FIFA 2022 World Cup in the country unless alcohol becomes readily available across the region, which it is currently not.

“To have a World Cup in Qatar in 2022 where alcohol is not available would be a terrible thing,” he said.

“If that is the case, we need to know straight away and give a very, very early warning to the fans that that is the case and that all the hotels are dry.

“I think it would mean that fans would not come which would be a great shame.”

Then, to cap the outrageous day off, Richards headed to the formal conference dinner on the West Courtyard at the Museum of Islamic Art but on his way to his table, he tripped and fell face first into the shallow ornamental pool in the middle of the marble floor.

Looking rather shaken, he was helped out of the water by the Bolton Wanderers chairman, and fellow Premier League board member Phil Gartside.

A number of waiters rushed to his aid before escorting the soaking Richards away from the dinner.

He did not return, marking the end of a damaging day for English football’s international reputation.

While Richards’ bizarre antics were the source of huge amusement here, both the Premier League and FA moved to distance themselves from the incidents.

“Sir Dave is attending the conference in a private and personal capacity and his comments in no way reflect the views of the Premier League,” a Premier League spokesman said of his chairman.

The FA also revealed their concern at the possible impact of their vice-chairman’s remarks.

“Sir Dave Richards is not representing the FA at this conference and his personal views are in no way shared or endorsed by the FA,” read a statement.

“The FA greatly values its relationships with FIFA and UEFA, which it is working hard to strengthen.”

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