PM BACKS CALLS FOR REGULATOR
... and Fair Game seek action
CLUBS’ coalition Fair Game have welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s endorsement of an independent regulator for English football – and now want to see words turned into action.
In November, MP Tracey Crouch, the chair of the fan-led review into football, called on the government to create a new independent regular for our game. The review said it was necessary for the long-term financial stability of the men’s professional game.
At PMQs on Wednesday, the Prime Minister gave his support to the idea.
“What I can say is that I do agree with my honourable friend who just conducted a review on the matter that indeed we should have an independent regulator for football,” he said.
The review made a host of recommendations. Among them were that an independent regulator should oversee financial regulation in football and establish new owners’ and directors’ tests.
In addition, supporters should be consulted on all key off-field decisions though a ‘shadow board’ and key items of club heritage should be protected by a ‘golden share’ for fans.
Fair Game – a group of 34 clubs across the EFL and Non-League fighting for a fairer distribution of football’s wealth, among other things – believe Johnson’s backing is a positive sign.
Niall Couper, CEO of Fair
Game and board member of the Dons Trust, owners of AFC Wimbledon, said: “Football has always demonstrated itself incapable of regulating itself, there are just too many vested interests. So we’re delighted to hear the Prime Minister’s endorsement of an independent regulator for English football at PMQs.
“For too long change has been kicked down the road, whilst our clubs have kicked the bucket. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to save the future of football.
“We need the Government response to the Fan-Led Review to endorse its recommendations and commit to legislation being included in May’s Queen’s Speech.”
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has thrown his weight behind the call for change.
Commitment
In a YouTube video, Burnham said: “It is not enough just to welcome the findings – which included a new independent regulator – there needs to be a firm commitment that legislation will be included in May’s Queen’s Speech.
“Without it, this once in a lifetime opportunity to save the future of football risks being kicked into the long grass.
“There’s no doubt that football is at a crossroads. Just this month, we’ve seen a new study from Fair Game reveal that in 2020 – that’s before the pandemic – 52 per cent of our top clubs were technically insolvent.
“Since the turn of the century a third of our clubs have gone into administration and dozens of clubs outside the Football League no longer exist.
“We need a sustainable future for football at every level. And a future where the history, heritage and traditions of our football clubs are protected. Football needs to change.
“I call on everyone in this country who loves our beloved game to appeal to the Secretary of State (for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) Nadine Dorries to ensure a commitment to legislation is included in the Government response.”