Posted on 1st April 2009
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
It’s not often that think tanks get involved in football debates but when they do, they know where to come for the necessary expertise. The FSF, obviously! Steve Powell (replacing Kevin Miles) will be speaking at ippr north’s The Politics of Football: Will Elitism Ruin Our Game? The event is entirely free of charge and takes place in Newcastle on Monday, April 20th running from 7-9pm at the Urban Cafe in Dance City (five minutes walk from Central Station).
Steve will outline how football and politics are intertwined and argue that free market economics will destroy competition within our national game. How can clubs justify inflation-busting prices while pocketing ever-increasing TV revenue? Are fans falling out of love with the beautiful game? In an era where the annual Premier League wage bill tops £1 billion and players earn up to £150,000 per week, is it time football got back to its grassroots and clubs re-engaged with the communities from which they were born?
Steve will speak for 15 minutes or so before the event turns into audience discussion and debate, so everyone gets the chance to have their say.
It’s a pretty informal atmosphere with a nice range of beers on sale or tea and coffee for those of you not living the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Registration isn’t required but arrive early to guarantee a decent view as the events can get busy.
For further info email Loraine Sweeney at ippr north.
You may have seen England midfielder Jadon Sancho being pelted with tennis balls recently in the Bundesliga – the Dortmund man in the wrong place at the wrong time as the Nuremberg fans delivered their protest against Monday night football.
A petition to get fans back into football grounds in line with other sectors of the economy has secured a Parliamentary debate after reaching almost 200,000 signatures.
Last night MPs debated two petitions to Parliament calling for the introduction of an independent football regulator and the “50+1” rule into the UK game.
Newcastle United fans say they have been “ignored by the Premier League” following the collapse of the club’s takeover and the leading supporters’ group on Tyneside is now demanding answers.
