Dear XXXXX
There is no doubt that English football is broken and I’m writing to ask for your support, as my MP, to help fix it.
The following statistics from Fair Game analysis speak for themselves in demonstrating just how bad the current situation is:
More than half of clubs are technically insolvent; in any other industry this would not be allowed to happen.
For every £1000 a Premier League club gets from broadcast revenue, a team in the National League gets a meagre 14p!
Parachute payments are growing in importance and are distorting financial distribution between the leagues. In each of the last five seasons, two or the three promoted clubs were in receipt of parachute payments. In the 11 seasons before that, it was only 10.
The voting structures of the bodies that can address the gaps, all favour those who benefit from the growing divide.
In March, the Football Governance Bill was introduced and included the introduction of a new Independent Football Regulator. The Bill was in Committee stage when Parliament was suspended due to the general election.
But now the new Labour Government has promised to re-introduce it, a chance to make it even stronger than before. Football needs you.
We need a Bill that tackles the growing financial inequality in the game, and ensures the regulator is truly independent, has the powers it needs to deliver proper solutions and can reward well run clubs.
For the sake of fans and clubs up and down the country, I’m asking you to call on the Government to back Fair Game’s proposed changes in full.
You can read more detail on Fair Game’s proposed amendments to the original bill here.
Football in England is more than just a game. Our clubs are community assets but in order to serve fans and communities, they need to exist.
Without these amendments, the Regulator won’t be able ensure financial fairness and sustainability for ALL clubs across the English pyramid, putting our clubs very future at risk.
Please use your voice and influence to ensure the proposed Football Governance Bill is truly fit for purpose.
At risk is decades of history and tradition, the hearts of local communities across the country and the hundreds of local businesses that depend on their local club.
If you have any questions or need further information, organise a meeting with Fair Game’s CEO Niall Couper by emailing niall.couper@fairgameuk.co.uk
Yours sincerely
Xxx[your name]xxxx
xxx[First line of address]xxx
xxx[second line of address]xxxx
xxxx[town]xxxx
xxx[city or county]xxxx
xxx[postcode]xxx