IT’S TIME TO MONITOR SCALES OF INJUSTICE
Ex-star says Big Brother now desperately needed
FORMER England defender John Scales has called on the Government to pick up Tracey Crouch’s radical plans for football and make them law.
Scales, an ambassador for the Fair Game campaign which has helped spark the debate on the way the game is run, has demanded that the Government now produce a timeline for action on Crouch’s report.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham centre-half, right, has told Premier League owners to put self-interest aside and back the plans – and if they do not like it they can “get out.”
Former Sports Minister Crouch’s fan-led review has recommended an independent regulator be appointed to help run the game.
The MP also recommended a 10 percent levy on transfers between Premier League clubs and with foreign clubs, with funds being distributed down the pyramid.
A new licensing system, tighter financial and ownership controls, a reform of parachute payments, a trial period for the sale of alcohol at League Two and National League level and grace for clubs with synthetic pitches have been mooted.
Scales said: “This report is pragmatic and well balanced. It’s not silly. It challenges the Premier League and the EFL to sort themselves out. It’s up to the Government now. Football has had its opportunities. Let’s crack on now and stop messing about. We need a timeline – when is this going to happen? This has to be put into legislation.” Scales, 55, who won three caps, warned wealthy Premier League club owners that an independent regulator and better redistribution of money within the game is vital for football’s future, after the recent collapse of clubs like Bury and Macclesfield.
He said: “If there are people who want to manipulate the system, there’s no room for them in the game. If they don’t like it, get out. Vested interests have got to be put aside. The recklessness of football, the inability to regulate itself, has led to this. It has been going on for decades.
“But those few are now being cast aside. The many have spoken, and it is the voice of reason. More money needs to be distributed through the system. If clubs want to speculate and chase those dreams, money in future has to be up front rather than gambled.
“The 10 percent levy will be money invested in their own industry.This is not about giving from the rich to the poor, or slapping down the Premier League. We need a better system.
“The owners should see that an independent regulator is a positive step. This plan is a no-brainer.”