Policy Paper fails test on future-proofing, fans and protecting the football pyramid
“If we are to get a Game we can truly be proud of then the big questions cannot be ducked or ignored. Football needs a fairer financial flow, it needs to embed good governance, truly respect its fans, and become leaders on ethics, environment and equality standards. Our political leaders hold the key to deliver that future. They musn’t waste it.”
Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game
FAIR GAME today revealed its in-depth analysis of the Government’s Policy Paper, A sustainable future - reforming club football governance: consultation response, and found it wanting in several key areas.
The 11-page briefing document welcomed the continuing commitment to a new Independent Regulator for English Football (IREF), but on close inspection identified three key areas where improvement can be made before it becomes legislation.
Top of the list is financial flow in football. The Paper reaffirms its belief that football authorities can agree a deal that will benefit the entire football pyramid. With decades of failure on this exact topic - and 64 clubs in the top four divisions going into administration since the start of the Premier League according to the Government’s own figures - Fair Game remains highly sceptical.
At present the top seven divisions in the English football pyramid recieve just under £3.2bn in TV broadcast revenue each year. Yet for every £1000 of that amount, £882 goes to Premier League clubs, £32.85 to most Championship sides, and just 15p to clubs in the National League South. Only a truly independent body can address the financial flow, distribute funds more equitably and encourage well-run clubs.
The White Paper itself was developed from the Fan-Led Review chaired by the former Conservative Minister Tracey Crouch, which was published in November 2021. The Review put fans and communities at the heart of proposed changes to the game, but the latest iteration of Government policy has slipped away from those early commitments.
Crucially the so-called “Wimbledon Clause” has been weakened. The clause was a key demand of the Football Supporters Association and backed by Fair Game. It gave fans the final say over any proposed move of a club away from the location where the club takes its name. The Policy Paper now suggests that when ruling on potential moves “financial considerations” should come first - the same argument that led to Wimbledon’s place in the Football League being given to a town in Buckinghamshire.
In addition, the Paper believes protections of a club’s colours, name and heritage should be part of the FA’s remit. While it adds that the proposed IREF should ask that the FA look to consult fans if any proposed changes are put forward, there is no longer the guarantee that fans will have the final say on any changes that was outlined in the Crouch Review known commonly as the “Golden Share”.
Finally, the Paper also fails to look forward. Addressing equality and diversity was another key recommendation of the Crouch Review, yet the Paper explicity rules it out. And Issues concerning the environment - undoubtedly the global issue for the next decade and beyond - are notable by their absence.
Fair Game CEO Niall Couper said:
“Football is on the cusp of a new future. The prospect of an Independent Regulator is to be warmly welcomed and the Government must be applauded for getting this far.
“However, it should be remembered that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There have been many failed attempts to get the reform football needs over the last few decades. If we are to get a Game we can truly be proud of then the big questions cannot be ducked or ignored.
“Football needs a fairer financial flow, it needs to embed good governance, truly respect its fans, and become leaders on ethics, environment and equality standards.
“Our political leaders hold the key to deliver that future. They musn’t waste it.”
