London’s clubs and politicians join forces to back reform of football
‘This review cannot be allowed to become a dusty document buried in the dark cellars under the Houses of Parliament’
Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game
LONDON clubs and politicians have joined forces to call for reform of English football governance ahead of an upcoming report expected to reiterate the need for independent regulation of the game.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch MP is set to publish the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance next week after taking evidence from leagues, clubs, fan groups, the FA and academics since April. Her interim set of findings released in July included a new independent regulator and a firm criticism of parachute payments referred to as “both a symptom and cause of some of the difficulties in ensuring club financial stability”.
It is a criticism that has particular resonance this week. In the last seven days there have been two further points deductions for Championship clubs for breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
On Thursday the English Football League (EFL) expressed support for an independent regulator, the end of parachute payments and an increase in the Premier League’s contribution to the rest of the game. All are part of Fair Game’s manifesto, which is supported by 31 clubs in England and Wales, including two EFL clubs in the capital.
Supporters of both, AFC Wimbledon and Leyton Orient, are all too familiar with failings in the game’s governance.
Next year marks 20 years since the owners of Wimbledon FC first announced controversial plans to leave London and relocate 60 miles, which was approved by an FA arbitration panel the following year.
Xavier Wiggins, Co-Chair of the Dons Trust Board, said: "We’re delighted that so many like-minded clubs have joined us in supporting Fair Game’s calls for a structure that is more responsible, sustainable and equitable.
"We hope the upcoming report, which we were encouraged by the draft of, strengthens foundations laid towards improving football governance and calls on the Government to play its part in a crucial period for the game."
The EFL, meanwhile, vowed to tighten up its owners’ and directors’ test after two relegations in three seasons during Francesco Becchetti’s controversial ownership of Orient saw the East London club relegated from the fourth tier for the first time in 112 years. Fair Game’s manifesto urges wholesale reform of the test and suggests owners and directors should be regulated independently.
Leyton Orient CEO Danny Macklin stressed the importance of the review’s recommendations “putting real pressure on the government to make sure this document doesn’t just gather dust and it has action points”. He referred to “not only environmental sustainability but as importantly financial sustainability”, which he called “the key to what we hope will be a landmark and a date that will be remembered in football.”
Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region mayors Andy Burnham are supporters of Fair Game, as are a range Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, including London’s John Cryer, Siobhain McDonagh and Stephen Hammond.
Cryer, who represents Leyton & Wanstead, agrees with the need for an independent regulator. He said: “All too often clubs are falling victims to owners who have no interest in the fans, the community or a collective future. Some are just straightforward asset-strippers who see fans as a nuisance. That’s why we need a system of proper independent regulation and I am very happy to support Fair Game.”
There is also growing support from London councils for reforms called for in the manifesto.
Leo Gibbons-Plowright, Councillor for Forest Hill, is leading calls for Lewisham Council to “support the manifesto for football proposed by Fair Game” and “calls on other councils to join us”. Additionally, Fair Game enjoys support from councillors in Ealing and Haringey.
Niall Couper, Fair Game’s CEO, said: “Tracey Crouch’s Fan-Led Review looks set to take football to the brink of a brave new dawn. And Fair Game applaud her for her superb work.
“The momentum to change football has become unstoppable. It is now over to the Government to move fast and legislate. And we pledge to help Tracey do all we can to turn her proposals into reality. This review cannot be allowed to become a dusty document buried in the dark cellars under the Houses of Parliament.”
