Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claims he has been offered an invitation to attend a Sunderland home game at the Stadium of Light, and believes more football clubs should be willing to engage with him regarding the proposed Independent Football Regulator.
The announcement follows criticism earlier this week after Mr Farage visited Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium on Monday, ahead of a rally in the town.
During his visit, he posed for photographs in the dressing room, media facilities and pitchside, recording a video where he thanked the Suffolk club for the “lovely welcome” he received.
Speaking in Sunderland, where he was launching Reform UK’s local election campaign, Mr Farage expressed his desire to attend a match at the Stadium of Light soon.
“I am hoping to go to a home game there at some point before the end of the season,” he told ITV News.
“I have been talking to one of the directors, and they would very much like to see me there for a home game. If I can make it, I will.”
Reports suggest the invitation originated from Sunderland director Juan Sartori. Sunderland has been contacted for comment regarding the invitation.
Mr Farage believes other clubs should be open to discussions about the government’s plan to introduce an independent regulator for English football, a body intended to operate separately from both the government and existing football authorities.
“Football clubs should want to talk to me,” Mr Farage stated. “You know why? The government is about to bring in a football regulator, and I think the last thing English football needs – given what a massive success the Premier League is – is a state-appointed regulator.”
He added: “It is a conversation I had at Ipswich the other day, I will have at Sunderland before very long, and I want to speak to all the clubs about this.”
He clarified his intentions, saying: “It is not about support. It is about a football club being open to leaders of national political parties.”
