Footy fans to be handed ‘golden share’ to have say on major decisions affecting their teams
FOOTBALL fans could be handed a “golden share” in their beloved clubs to have a say in major decisions in the wake of the Super League disaster.
Ministers want to hand powers to the chanting terraces, which will give supporters a say in changing club crests, location and competitions.
The sweeping reforms including fan vetoes come in the wake of top six clubs attempts last season to break away and form a European Super League – which was squashed after an intervention from Boris Johnson.
The fan led review will also reveal the need for a football regulator and recommend an overhaul of governance
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has been leading the review – and reported her initial finding to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden yesterday.
She warned an “independent regulator of English football” was needed after authorities failed to take advantage of the “last chance saloon” for internal reform.
Taking a pop at football’s running bodies she added: “It is with some sadness that I note they didn’t heed those warnings and that therefore it is time now for external assistance.”
The new regulator would cover, financial regulation, corporate governance and ownership.
But Ms Crouch says it should steer clear of ‘‘football issues’ like running league competitions, video technology, the national game or Wembley Stadium.
“It is with some sadness that I note they didn’t heed those warnings and that therefore it is time now for external assistance.”
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch
She said plans to develop proposals to give supporters a ‘golden share’ to protect “key club heritage items of great cultural and emotional importance to fans.”
The ex-minister said: “The most pressing of these has been the many clubs who appear to have lost the rights to their home grounds, but much evidence was also received of concerns relating to items such as club badges, location, colours and competitions.”
Most read in Football
Mr Dowden said he would take “bold steps” to protect the game. He said: “We’ve seen this year with the failed European Super League proposals and Euro 2020 how central football is to our national life.
“I’ve been clear that now is the time to take a wide-ranging look at reform of the game. I will not hesitate to take bold steps where necessary.
“I am grateful to the Chair and Panel for their update on the fan led review. I look forward to receiving the final report and recommendations in the Autumn.”