Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Jo Stevens has called for UK prime minister Boris Johnson to answer questions about the European Super League proposals following an alleged meeting with Ed Woodward.
The Manchester United chief executive allegedly met with Mr Johnson on April 14th this year, four days before six Premier League clubs, including United, announced their decision to join the breakaway continental competition.
All six English clubs eventually relented and pulled out, following immense backlash from supporters, stakeholders, pundits and the media, with the government also threatening to intervene.
However, it has now been claimed that Mr Johnson was made aware of the proposals in the days before the announcement and United chief Woodward was 'given the impression' by the PM and officials that they were behind the idea.
In a statement, the Labour party said: "Jo Stevens has written to Cabinet Secretary Simon Case for a second time to call for the minutes of any meeting and any correspondence surrounding the Prime Minister’s knowledge of plans for a European Super League.
"It comes after the revelations that Manchester United FC Executive Vice Chairman, Ed Woodward was given the impression by Boris Johnson and officials that they backed the ESL when he visited Downing Street shortly before the ill-judged project’s launch.
“Yet again Boris Johnson’s integrity and honesty are in question. The public has a right to know what exactly was promised to Manchester United by both officials and the Prime Minister," Stevens said.
“If Boris Johnson gave the European Super League his backing and then publicly turned on the plan then the British people deserve a full, clear and immediate explanation and apology.”
Labour has published eight questions that they want Johnson and the government to answer following the Super League proposals including when the reported meeting with Woodward was arranged, in what capacity was he attending the meeting, who else was present and was anyone from the Department of Digital Culture Media and Sport present at the meeting.
There are also calls for details to be shared on any meetings between the Prime Minister and his officials with the 'top six', the publication of any correspondence from these meetings and addressing what was discussed.
