Leeds United’s vice-president, and president of the San Francisco 49ers’ investment group, has opened up on his thoughts on English football.
Chelsea’s new American owner Todd Boehly received widespread criticism from many within the game after suggesting an ‘all-star’ Premier League game, with Jurgen Klopp unimpressed and Gary Neville saying this:
I keep saying it but the quicker we get the Regulator in the better. US investment into English football is a clear and present danger to the pyramid and fabric of the game. They just don’t get it and think differently. They also don’t stop till they get what they want! 🛑
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 14, 2022
However, Paraag Marathe has provided many with a breath of fresh air with his comments on The Sports Desk podcast.
“These are clubs that are part of cities and communities: the same way you would talk about a little brother, a little sister, a mum or a dad, you talk about your club…
“That is just different, and I’m so respectful of that and want to protect what that is.
“If something changes the sanctity of what that is, I’m not a fan of it. If it improves upon it, or if it clarifies it… or if it makes it more transparent and makes it better, then I’m a fan of it and supportive of it.
“It’s a very special, unique thing that nobody else in the world has.”
This will be good news for many Leeds United fans, as the 49ers currently have a 44% stake in the club and have an option to purchase a majority stake in 2024 from the Italian Andrea Radrizzani.