Frequently Asked Questions

There are four parameters, what is the maximum score for each?

The four criteria are weighted: 40% financial measures; 30% governance; 20% fan engagement; 10% equality standards. Full details are at the back of the report. The weighting was settled on my Fair Game's team of experts. However, the Index is built on an ethos of constant improvement and the weighting will always be under review.

The Index only covers the top two English leagues, have you got plans to go further?

Our long-term aim is to cover all the clubs down to the National League North and South, and the top two divisions of the Women’s game. We hope that in the next iteration of the Index, due in the summer, we will be able to include all clubs in the EFL.

What is the purpose of the Sustainability Index?

The Index aims to monitor the sustainability of football clubs by looking at their financial solvency, governance and equality standards, and fan engagement. We believe that it will be the essential metric for the independent regulator to assess the health of football.

How could the Index help change the financial flow in football?

Football has operated in a gambling culture for decades, with owners encouraged to overspend caught by the Siren Call of the Premier League. It is a game of Russian Roulette with the history and traditions of clubs at stake.

Instead football should reward well-run clubs, and incentivise clubs to change. Football’s financial flow should be based on those that score well on financial measures, good governance, equality standards and fan engagement - all key elements of the recent Fan-Led Review.