Source: Daily_Mail
Orient chairman Barry Hearn calls for administrated clubs to be relegated TWO divisions
[LNB]Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn wants clubs to be demoted two divisions for going into administration. [LNB]The sports promoter does not feel the current points deduction penalties are sufficient to deter clubs from "cheating" by overspending on players. [LNB] Hearn intends to raise the issue at a meeting of Football League chairman next month.[LNB] Pay up Pompey: Portsmouth were deducted nine points for going into administration [LNB] Hearn told Sky Sports News: 'Clubs that spend more money than they can afford, that go into administration, have been guilty of cheating, nothing less. 'They are fielding a team they couldn't afford to field in a level playing field situation. [LNB]'It is a horrible thing to say because no one wants to be accused of cheating, but we have allowed a system within football to evolve where clubs are almost incentivised to gamble. [LNB]Orient Express: Leyton chief Barry Hearn [LNB]'They are gambling with the future of their club and they are gambling with the future of the game. 'In June, at the chairman's conference, I am proposing a rule change. 'I am saying that any club that goes into administration should be relegated two divisions. [LNB]'It is draconian as a penalty but it has to be. We have to show the world we have the ability of governance, that we are not prepared to put up with cheating at any level.' [LNB]In one of the most famous cases of club mismanagement, Portsmouth this season became the first Premier League club to go into administration. [LNB] Two years ago they won the FA Cup and qualified for the UEFA Cup with a squad laden with expensive talent. [LNB]That proved unsustainable and, despite selling a number of stars, the club have plunged into decline. They were hit with a nine-point penalty and were relegated but the problems remain and a player fire sale is likely in the summer. [LNB]With the UK customs and tax department becoming increasingly forceful in pushing for debt repayment, Hearn fears Government intervention if the game's authorities do not toughen up. [LNB]He added: 'We would all love to be in the Premier League, we would all adore to be in the Champions League, but we have to live in the real world and we have to have rules. [LNB]'If we can't govern ourselves, sooner or later government or someone else will come in and govern for us.' [LNB]Remarkably, in spite of all their problems, Portsmouth have defied the odds to reach this season's FA Cup final tomorrow. 'I think there have to be very serious questions about the legitimacy of their place in the FA Cup final,' Hearn said. [LNB] Pompey need to fork out £150k bonus - even if they lose the FA Cup final!EXCLUSIVE: Zola's time is up! Italian hauled in to hammer out pay-offPORTSMOUTH FC
