Leaving the European Union will present new opportunities for businesses in the sports sector, according the the culture secretary John Whittingdale.

Whittingdale, who advocated Brexit, made his first statement since the UK made its seismic decision to leave the common market last Thursday, attempting to reassure those in the culture, media and sport industries.

“The Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) will work closely with all of our sector to make sure they have a voice as we now prepare for a negotiation to exit the EU,” he said.

“Our sectors are among some of the strongest and fastest growing, contributing 16 per cent of total Gross Added Value to the UK economy. We will support our sectors in seeking new arrangements which will maintain our trade relations and encourage them to look for new opportunities across the world.”

While the consequence of Brexit are yet to be felt, industry experts have speculated that the move may have an effect on factors such as the freedom of movement for sports stars, such as Premier League footballers, grant funding from the European Union and the cost of sports good and equipment from the continent.