Football fans to get more say in running of their clubs under major shake-up

The Government has thrown its weight behind Tory Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review of English football, which includes plans for shadow boards of supporters and an independent regulator

Football fans will finally get a bigger say in the running of their clubs with proposals including a ‘shadow board’ in major reforms announced today.

Supporters will have a formal role deciding ‘heritage issues’ such as changes to their club stadia, logo, name and kit via a ‘golden share’.

An independent watchdog for English football will be established to help put clubs on a more secure financial footing.

Owners and directors will be subject to an “integrity test” before they buy clubs, and on an ongoing basis, to protect from unscrupulous practices.

The Government will also work with football bodies and police to consider the safety and economic case for piloting the sale of alcohol at matches in the men’s lower leagues.

The football reform plans come in the Government’s response to the fan-led review, brought forward in the wake of last year’s European Super League fiasco.

It follows a series of crises starting with the collapse of Bury FC in 2019, then Bolton Wanderers, Derby County, Macclesfield Town and Wigan Athletic.

Ministers will endorse 10 key recommendations to shake up football governance set out by Tory MP Tracey Crouch MP last November.

The independent regulator will be given statutory powers to licence and sanction clubs as part of its remit to tackle the most pressing issues throughout the industry.

These includes a culture of reckless decision-making, with owners placing the pursuit of glory over sound financial management, so putting the future of clubs at risk.

Some clubs rely too heavily on owner funding which can leave them dangerously exposed if owners decide to pull the plug on cash injections.

Premier League and Championship clubs are now regularly exceeding UEFA’s guidance on spending no more than 70% of their revenue on wages, leading to weak balance sheets.

The new watchdog will also have financial oversight of clubs, including information gathering, investigation and enforcement powers.

Boris Johnson said: “Football brings friends, families, and communities together, which is why we are taking forward the fan-led plans to secure the future of our national game.

“Whether you’re cheering on at home or away, this Government will ensure fans are once again at the heart of the game.”

Ministers have already confirmed a review of womens’ football will be launched this summer to support the game at both elite and grassroots level.

Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell said: “While Labour fully support football reform and a new statutory regulator, there’s no dressing up that this announcement will come as a massive disappointment to fans across the country.

“After a government review and many previous promises to legislate, today’s announcement of a further consultation later this year, and a delay to legislation until at least 2024 is a kick in the teeth to proud footballing communities across England.”

She called for new laws to stop more clubs going bust or being used “as a play thing for the wealthy”.