A belated step in the right direction?

Football fans throughout England & Wales have broadly welcomed news that new club ownership rules to allow fans a serious stake in their teams is under active consideration for inclusion in the Labour Party general election manifesto.

Commenting on the move FSF chair Malcolm Clarke, a Stoke City fan, who also represents supporters on the FA Council said, “I’m pleased that the governing party is seriously considering this issue. We’ll want to see the detail of the proposals. We hope that the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats will also want to work with supporters on the issues of fan ownership and influence, as well as governance and regulation of the game. Likewise we’re looking for these issues to be taken up in Wales by the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.

“The plans that have been covered in the media today need to be fleshed out. There also needs to be consideration of the role in governance and regulation of clubs by the Football Association, Football Association of Wales, the Premier League, Football League and Football Conference, and further down the game’s pyramid. We believe that the most effective way to achieve the goals of increased supporter ownership and influence and better governance and regulation of the game is via a new Sports Law.

“Today’s news is a pleasing if belated first step in recognising that the game is not going to cure all that ails it on its own. Now we’re looking forward to discussing the detailed steps and necessary legislation to ensure that it happens after the general election.

“We’ll be working closely with our friends and partners at Supporters Direct. Their mission is to promote supporter ownership and influence at all clubs and the game generally. We need to see whichever government is in power after the election walking the walk and well as talking the talk.”

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