Gary Neville and Simon Jordan have come to blows on Twitter over the Manchester United legend's running of League Two side Salford City.
The row unfolded when Neville praised the UK government's decision to introduce an independent regulator in football, something Neville has campaigned for. The regulator will have the power to sanction clubs who break financial rules, allow fans to have a greater say in the running of the game and scrutinise all prospective new owners.
Neville has described it as "the biggest reform in English football since 1992" - the year the Premier League was born. Neville purchased Salford - then a non-league club - alongside fellow United icons Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in 2014.
Since then, they've attracted investment from Singaporean businessman Peter Lim and former England captain David Beckham. They've also achieved four promotions, reaching League Two in May 2019 and winning the EFL Trophy 12 in March 2021.
But Neville and his colleagues have also been criticised for how much they've invested in Salford. A report earlier this month suggested Project 92 Limited - the club's parent company - is losing £91,000 each week.
Many believe Salford bought their way into the EFL and will continue investing to climb as high as possible. Neville has also been criticised for the club's treatment of managers. Richie Wellens departed in March 2021 - just a week after winning the EFL Trophy.
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Some also believe it's unfair to professionalise a non-league outfit at the expense of a more established club. Chesterfield, Notts County and Southend have all dropped into the National League in recent years. Scunthorpe and Oldham will join them next season.
And former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan has slammed Neville on Twitter for his comments about the new regulator. "How about it doesn't deal with the one that needs to be dealt with... the redistribution of finances," tweeted Jordan.
"Or did that detail evade you? If the absurd notion of an independent regular occurs, let's hope your club Salford observes FFP (Financial Fair Play) and SCMP (Salary Cost Management Protocol) - as I'm not sure it does!"
Neville replied: "The sports minister repeated what the report says - that if football doesn't do it, then a regulator will step in. The Premier League know the acceptable EFL deal. You're aware through League Two SCMP rules, we put our cash in up front at Salford. Cash up front/bank guarantee should be in every league!"
Jordan replied: "The report (independent fan-led review) is laughable - 162 pages of absurd, misrepresentative, poor thinking. It's flawed inaccurate and any half-sensible person will drive a bus through 80 per cent of it. With the other 20 per cent having efficacy. By the way, get your house in order with FFP - as huge losses at Salford is hypocrisy."
Neville replied: I don't support FFP without an owner funding model and haven't for 10 to 12 years. No football executives have ever moved the government as much as they've moved with this report! Whilst I'm always sceptical of this lot (Boris Johnson's government), your analysis is crass and incorrect. Tracey Crouch (the MP leading the proposals) has cross-party support."
Jordan replied: "It's the blind leading the blind is the cross-party support ideal you are advocating. Sustainable football clubs are the bedrock of what is required, not owner funded models... grow up! Stop playing to the gallery."
Neville responded with a laughing emoji.
