The ‘White Paper’ will assess potential owners, block breakaway leagues and put fans back into the core of their clubs interest.
Football fans across the country will be feeling enraptured by the revolutionary long-term plan to protect football clubs from the Premier League down to the Vanarama National League.
An independent regulator will be responsible for examining whether or not football owners are able to run a club sustainably, the ‘white paper’ lays out a base for future legislation, albeit nothing is set in stone just yet.
Recommendations can be implemented into system, yet, the key ones are clearly going to ensure safety for clubs who face financial limitations.
The ten strategic recommendations made by the ‘Fan-led review’ solidify long-term sustainability and offer financial stability for football clubs – the English football league has endured spells in which owners have left football clubs in turmoil.
A recent example is the liquidation of Bury FC; in 2020 the Shakers’ were expelled from the football league and placed into administration – the club lives on in a phoenix model, Bury AFC.
The introduction of a new ‘owners and directors test’ will allow little room for entities that govern and own football clubs to disregard stakeholders.
Manchester City have won the Premier League six times since the Abu Dhabi United Group purchased the club in 2008, but are now experiencing the downside of fashionably-rich ownership.
The independent regulator will block heavily-funded organisations (like the European Super League), meaning entrepreneurs will no longer have free reign over football clubs – if they are able to pass the testing process.
A fresh approach to corporate governance will prioritise a worthwhile future for teams across all divisions involved that will ease pressure and allow boards to exercise their capital more willingly.
A much needed push for equality and diversity is expected, in addition, there will be parity between the men and women’s game – hopefully this amendment will be the cue for organisations to offer thorough support for women’s football. A large amount of Women’s Super League games were postponed this season, whereas the Premier League’s last weather-related postponement came in February, 2020. An in-depth investigation of the future, reach and growth of the women’s game, is being led by Karen Carney MBE.
A more intricate detail, supporters can look forward to formal consultation with regard to running of their clubs. Decisive decisions such as badges, team names and stadia plans will be delegated.
Fans will also cherish the introduction of heritage protection. An off-field issue in modern football is the repetition of owners alternating club colours and image to benefit a smooth rebranding – a transparent example is Vincent Tan’s idea to change Cardiff City’s kit and stadium seating to red, a contrast to the clubs nickname, the Bluebirds’.
More humorously, Leeds United’s attempt to adapt the club badge was underpinned by a collective of 10,000 and was halted by a 50,000 strong petition to stop the change.
The last key regulation is linked to financial support too, the Premier League will be encouraged to support teams below. The amount of capital produced in the top-flight and Championship leaves lower league sides at a disadvantage when they gain promotion – usually resulting in instant relegation.
Despite the amount of money in the league, there is still financial risk, the Premier League and Championship accumulated a combined debt of ÂŁ5.9 billion in the 2020/21 season.
Finance that is filtered through the football league pyramid will also allow teams to improve player welfare for when they leave the sport.
For fan-owned clubs who obtain a smaller budget, the news will provide security. the help of a ‘Fan-led Review of Football governance’ invited the use of an independent regulator will prevent reckless financial decisions and help clubs remain as community assets.
The Government’s say…
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, showed his appreciation for the establishment – “Since its inception over 165 years ago, English football has been bringing people together, providing a source of pride for communities and inspiration to millions of fans across the country.
“These bold new plans will put fans back at the heart of football, protect the rich heritage and traditions of our much-loved clubs.”
Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, opened up on what inspired the change and the impact it will have on a global scale – “My first major meeting as Sports Minister was with football fans. I heard how some clubs had suffered at the hands of owners who used and abused their stewardship.”
“This new independent regulator will create an even stronger Premier League, English Football League and National League, so our pyramid of elite football remains the envy of leagues the world over.”
What it means to those involved…
Derby County were on the precipice of joining a long list of defunct football clubs, until life-long fan David Clowes saved his beloved Rams.
He expressed the severity of the fans voice in football, “As a club, Derby County stared extinction in the face for far too long. We believe it is essential our supporters – and every other football fan – are given the strongest possible voice and backing if that helps ensure no other club is threatened in the same way.
“we have been working with a wide range of supporter stakeholders to bring in exactly the kind of measures outlined in this white paper.”
The oldest professional club in England, Notts County, currently sit 1st in the National League and are eyeing up a return to the football league.
A spokesperson for the club shared their take on the imminent announcement of the ‘white paper’.
“County fully supports any action to safeguard the future of football clubs, as we have seen with the tragic demise of Bury FC among others, and particularly following the challenges posed by Covid-19, many clubs are in a vulnerable position and in need of support and guidance.
“Fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, also deserve to know that their interests are being prioritised.”
