MPS accuse EFL over collapse of Bury

The English Football League must share the blame for the collapse of Bury, MPS have ruled in a letter attacking “failings at every level” of governance in the domestic game.

Damian Collins, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the League must apologise to supporters and make “reparations for associated loss of earnings” after failing on “multiple opportunities to intervene”.

Bury’s EFL membership was withdrawn in August and a move to have the club reinstated in League Two for the start of next season was rejected by the 71 members of the EFL on Sept 26.

The committee of cross-party MPS heard evidence from the EFL’S executive chair, Debbie Jevans, the FA and Premier League two weeks ago and has now recommended:

‹ A fans’ ombudsman to hear concerns about the running of clubs.

‹ A reformed owners’ and directors’ test to disqualify a buyer with a record of corporate insolvency.

‹ Banning clubs from borrowing against fixed assets like stadiums.

‹ A “formal and enforceable licensing system” for professional clubs.

The Government should introduce “legislation for an independent system of football licensing and regulation” if the reforms are not implemented, Collins says.

In a letter sent to the EFL, the FA, Nigel Adams, the sports minister, and Jonathan Taylor QC, the barrister leading the EFL’S independent governance review, Collins wrote: “The EFL was warned about the club’s finances and ownership, and had multiple opportunities to intervene, but did not do so in an effective or timely enough way. As such, we conclude that the EFL has failed in its duty to Bury FC and its supporters. We recommend that the EFL formally apologises to the club’s staff and supporters and makes reparations for associated loss of earnings.”

Greg Clarke, the FA chairman, claimed it was outside his organisation’s remit to “interfere” in regulatory matters delegated to the EFL. The EFL has been contacted for comment.