Liverpool to launch ‘supporters board’ in response to ESL protests
Liverpool will launch a new “supporters board” in the wake of the toxic backlash from their involvement in the European Super League.
The club, who were heavily criticised because of the ESL proposal, have responded by holding talks with fan groups, including Spirit of Shankly, and have now agreed to the creation of a board that Liverpool say will offer “meaningful fan representation at executive levels”.
The “supporters board” will be launched before next season and will hold regular meetings with the club and be invited to attend the main board meetings when “fan-facing strategic matters arise”.
Billy Hogan, Liverpool’s chief executive, said: “Firstly I’d like to thank all those supporters we’ve either met in person from the Liverpool Supporters Trust or received feedback from over the past few weeks. This input has been invaluable and has helped us to reach a point at which we have been able to agree the principles that will lead to the creation of a new supporters board.
“The focus over the last few weeks of dialogue has been to find a long-term solution that is in the best interests of Liverpool FC and its supporters – one that we firmly believe is not only meaningful but also wholly in keeping with the values and aspirations of the club.
“There is still a lot to discuss with representatives of the Liverpool Supporters Trust in the weeks ahead but having these principles in place is a great step forward and we look forward to formalising the details of the structure over the summer. We will then share the details with all supporters ahead of the new season.”
Joe Blott, chair of Spirit of Shankly, the Liverpool Supporters Trust, said: “After discussions of the past weeks, we believe this is a unique deal and recommend its acceptance. We see this as a chance to help shape the future of our club and put us at the forefront of changing football in general.”