‘Only free-market zealots and believers of Hans Christian Anderson fairytales think football can fix itself,’ says former FA CEO

MARK PALIOS put his weight firmly behind an overhaul of football’s governance in an online video released late last night. The former CEO of the FA is the current owner and executive chair of Tranmere Rovers, one of the 34 members of Fair Game.

The message published on Tranmere Rovers YouTube channel spelt out in stark details the reasons for change and why politicians must grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a better future for our National Game.

He began by outlining decades of examples of where football has had the chance to improve its governance and failed.

Palios then added: “The big question is: ‘Can the Game fix itself?’ the answer has to be: ‘No, no and no!’

“If you think otherwise you either are a free-market zealot or you have a vested interest or you read Hans Christian Anderson at nights before you go to sleep.

“The lightly regulated wages market allows the money to be spent in a linked wages market creating unfettered wage inflation and creating a hand to mouth existence for professional football clubs. This militates against clubs building their reserves for a rainy day.

“Creating a more sensible wages market that is more aligned to affordability  is the main issue that needs urgent attention alongside increased distribution down the pyramid

“To increase distribution without controls will be like stamping water out of a puddle. Before you know it, you’ll be back to square one.”

Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, added: “Mark’s assessment is spot on. The game needs an overhaul. We need to incentivise culture change.

“The time for football to fix itself has long passed. We need a fairer financial flow in football that rewards well-run clubs and ends the gambling culture that leaves so many clubs on the brink of extinction.”