Politics
Football faces major shake-up of ownership and finances with fans more involved amid Government review
FOOTBALL bosses could be ORDERED to rip up their rulebook after the Government announced the launch of its “fan-led review” of the game.
In a huge move which comes off the back of PM Boris Johnson’s intervention into the shambolic Super League breakaway threat, the entire structure of the English game is under scrutiny.
Boris Johnson and the Government have launched its ‘fan-led review’ of the game[/caption]
That could see:
- Ownership rules questioned and changed, even looking at the legitimacy of foreign billionaires taking over Prem clubs — and deciding if English football should seek to copy the German system.
- New financial rules drafted to prevent the issues that led to the collapse of Bury.
- Enforced alterations to the flow of money through the entire football pyramid, from the Prem to the grass-roots game.
- Fans given a proper say in the way the game is run.
- A Government- appointed independent regulator, with power to bring the FA, Prem and EFL to account.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch will head the review, which will start in the coming days and is expected to take “months” to draw its conclusions.
And there is a growing expectation there will be major changes demanded.
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That will include scrutiny of the Prem’s controversial “owners’ and directors’ test”.
But Crouch and her colleagues will also investigate whether English clubs should be forced to come closer to the German model which gives fans a majority of shares in most top sides.
Crouch said: “My review will be firmly focused on the fans.
“It will look closely at the issues of governance, ownership and finance and take the necessary steps to retain the game’s integrity, competitiveness and, most importantly, the bond that clubs have with supporters and the local community.”
There are also likely to be steps required to protect clubs’ traditions, geography and even their badges, plus an investigation into whether the entire pyramid remains fit for purpose.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston added: “Football begins and ends with fans and we have seen that passionately displayed this week. It must be a watershed moment in our national game.”
Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin hailed the PM for helping save European football.
He said: “Boris Johnson cared what happened to football, because that would affect the people.
“If the fans get angry, it is a kind of revolution. And no country can afford that.
“I find it very responsible from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to take a sharp stand on the side of the fans, not only because of the culture and love of football but also because it ensures order in the country.
“The reaction from the British government helped us all a lot.”
