UEFA wants government probe on 'big-money' takeovers

UEFA have called on the British government to investigate the growing trend of foreign money being invested in UK clubs.

West Ham are the latest club to be linked with a takeover, with businessman Kia Joorabchian and several foreign investors suggested as potential new owners.

The Upton Park club have confirmed they have held “exploratory” discussions which could be followed up by a bid, but UEFA director of communications William Gaillard has raised concern.

Manchester United and Aston Villa are now owned by American money, with Malcolm Glazer and Randy Lerner at the helm, and Gaillard said: “We certainly are concerned by what is going on because it seems to be following a worrying pattern.”

Gaillard told the Daily Telegraph: “The trend is going against what we want to see – more clubs being owned by the community and the people who really care for them.

“This is a wake-up call and the UK government have a responsibility to start investigating. After all it's a part of the UK economy.”