Fair Game Annual Conference 2025
Day overview: who is it for?
Football is at a turning point. With the introduction of an independent regulator on the horizon, the sport faces fundamental questions about governance, financial sustainability, and inclusivity.
Day one of the conference is designed to tackle these issues head-on, bringing together key voices from across the football ecosystem to discuss how the game can be fairer, more transparent, and financially sustainable.
Through five dedicated streams, attendees can choose practical workshop sessions that align with their interests—whether it's fan engagement, equality and ethics, governance, finance, or club operations.
This day is particularly valuable for:
Club executives and owners navigating regulatory changes and financial challenges
Policymakers and football regulators shaping the governance framework for the sport
Fan groups and supporters’ trusts advocating for greater influence in club decision-making
Equality and inclusion campaigners working to make football a safer and more accessible space
Football finance experts and economists analysing the distribution of wealth in the game
Academies and lower-league representatives ensuring fair compensation for player development
Journalists and industry analysts reporting on football’s biggest governance and ethical challenges
day one: Programme
09:00 - 09:45 | Registration
Check in, grab a coffee or breakfast, and network with fellow attendees before the conference begins.
09:45 - 09:55 | Conference welcome
Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game
An introduction to the day’s themes, setting the stage for key discussions on governance, finance, and football’s future.
10:00 - 11:30 | Seminar block one
Fan stream: What is a fan? And who should be consulted?
As football evolves, so does the role of the fan. This session explores who gets a voice in football decision-making and how fan representation can be strengthened at club and national levels.Equality and ethics stream: How can football clubs be a safe and inclusive space for supporters?
Discrimination remains a major issue in football. This session will focus on how clubs, leagues, and governing bodies can create a truly inclusive matchday experience for all fans.Governance stream: What support do clubs need to move to a regulatory environment?
With the introduction of an independent regulator, clubs will face new oversight and compliance requirements. This session will look at what guidance and resources clubs need to adapt.Finance stream: How can compensation for player development be fair?
Smaller clubs and academies often struggle to benefit from the players they develop. This session will explore whether current systems like solidarity payments and training compensation are fit for purpose and what an alternative might be.Club stream: Is multi-club ownership fair?
More and more clubs are being swept up into multi-club models—but what does this mean for competition, integrity, and financial sustainability? This workshop will assess the pros and cons of this growing trend and how to mitigate them.
11:45 - 13:15 | Seminar block two
Fan stream: Should the regulator define a minimum standard for fan engagement?
What role should the independent regulator play in ensuring clubs properly consult their supporters on key decisions? This session will explore how to set enforceable engagement standards.Equality and ethics stream: How can you tackle sexism in men’s professional football?
From abuse in stadiums to barriers in the boardroom, sexism remains deeply embedded in men’s football. This panel will look to define what real change looks like and how it can be achieved.Governance stream: How could the FA be the regulator?
The FA already governs many aspects of the game, but could it take on the role of independent regulator, or does football need a fully separate body? This session will explore the arguments on both sides.Finance stream: Fair financial flow – how should the £3.2bn be distributed?
With billions flowing through the football pyramid, is the money being distributed fairly? This discussion will look to develop a holistic model that strengthens the game and benefits the whole pyramid.Club stream: Fixture congestion – what are the problems, and how can you fix it?
As football’s calendar becomes increasingly packed, players and clubs are feeling the strain. What are the solutions to managing fixture congestion without harming competition?
13:15 - 14:00 | Lunch
14:00 - 14:30 | Keynote speaker: Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer, The Independent – Unpacking the key issues shaping football’s future.
14:30 - 16:00 | Seminar block three
Fan stream: How do we address ticket pricing and affordability?
As ticket prices continue to rise, many fans are being priced out of the game. How can clubs balance revenue generation with affordability and accessibility?Equality and ethics stream: How big an issue is state-ownership of football clubs, and is sportswashing important?
State-backed takeovers of football clubs have raised ethical questions. Does football have a moral responsibility to act, or should money be the only deciding factor?Governance stream: What would an ideal governance code look like?
Good governance is the foundation of a strong football system. This session will explore what best practice looks like and how football can implement meaningful reforms.Finance stream: How can you control players’ wages?
With player salaries skyrocketing, clubs face sustainability challenges. Is a salary cap the answer, or are there alternative solutions to financial fair play?Club stream: How do you balance ambition and sustainability?
Every club wants to grow, but unchecked ambition has led to financial collapses. How can clubs invest and compete without risking long-term stability?
Join us for a day of insightful discussions, expert analysis, and collaborative problem-solving as we shape the future of football together.