Sugar critical of debt-ridden clubs

19th November 2008

Former Tottenham chairman Sir Alan Sugar has called for stronger punishments for clubs who spend beyond their means.

Sugar cited the example of Leeds, who went into administration last year but were quickly sold to a newly-formed company, of which current chairman Ken Bates is one of the directors. The West Yorkshire side only missed out on promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship when they lost to Doncaster in the League One play-off final - despite being docked points last season.

The Elland Road club currently occupy a play-off place this season, although 61-year-old entrepreneur Sugar does not believe they should be in such a strong position, telling BBC Radio Five Live; "Clubs should not be going bust and starting again the next day."

He added: "It takes your heart away when you see clubs spending millions and millions and millions and millions and going bust, only to start again the following Saturday.

"It's unfair. They should be thrown out of the league, down to the fourth and fifth divisions and have to work their way back up, playing on Hackney Marshes."