In a surprising turn of events, Premier League footballers will now have to experience the same airport security checks as the average traveler.
This comes after the government has decided to eliminate a special exemption that previously allowed these athletes to bypass certain security protocols.
Concerns from Football Authorities
Football executives, particularly Richard Masters, the league’s CEO, have voiced strong objections to this change.
They argue that requiring players to go through the same security measures as everyone else could lead to longer wait times and even potential injuries during travel.
Masters has expressed concerns that the presence of fans in security lines might compromise the players’ safety and comfort.
However, the government has been unswayed by these arguments, moving forward with the rule that aims to enhance security across all flights.
A source close to the situation remarked to The Sun, “This isn’t a good look for the Premier League,” highlighting the disconnect between the league’s privileged stance and the general public.
Government Stance on Security
The Department for Transport has made it clear that aviation security must remain a top priority to ensure the safety of all passengers.
They stated, “That is why all aircraft passengers are fully screened before they travel.”
This emphasis on security comes as a response to previous vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
This isn’t the first time the lavish lifestyles of footballers have drawn attention.
Recently, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero sparked discussions when he shared a tweet implying that his club was at a disadvantage compared to Arsenal because they didn’t arrange special travel for their players returning to England.
While some clubs do offer private travel to expedite their players’ return, Spurs opted for a different approach this time.
The Cost of Luxury Travel
Premier League clubs have historically spent significant sums to secure early returns for their players, hoping to gain any competitive edge.
For instance, in November 2016, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain collaborated to charter a £120,000 private jet for their Brazilian stars.
More recently, in October 2021, several top clubs pooled resources to fly back nine key players from Brazil and Uruguay at a hefty price tag.
In November 2021, things got even cozier as players from rival clubs shared a private jet and then posted friendly pictures together online.
Liverpool’s Alisson, for example, shared a cheerful photo with his teammates enjoying a small glass of wine and captioned it, “Let’s go home.”
A Humble Travel Experience
Not all players, however, choose to indulge in extravagant travel arrangements.
Last season, Heung-Min Son opted for a more humble means of transportation, taking a commuter train to fulfill his national duties in South Korea.
He and teammate Ben Davies were spotted arriving at Cardiff Central Station in casual attire, showcasing their down-to-earth attitude.
Now, regardless of their previous privileges, Premier League stars will have to face the same mundane airport security queues as the rest of us.
It seems the era of special treatment may be coming to an end. What might be next for these high-profile athletes?
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