Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed the Government’s plans to put fans at the heart of football and ensure its long-term sustainability. Following a fan-lead review, the Government’s White Paper on Football Governance reforms sets out detailed plans to improve the governance and financial stability of football clubs throughout the pyramid and to deliver greater protection of the grassroots core.
Stuart has backed the measures, which includes proposals for a new Regulator empowered to safeguard the interests of fans and local football communities. The Regulator will operate a licencing system to ensure that all clubs operating professionally are licenced, and meeting the relevant requirements for appropriate financial resources, management, conduct, and fan engagement. There will also be new tests for owners and directors, ensuring good custodians of clubs, stronger due diligence on sources of wealth and a requirement for robust financial planning.
As part of this, the regulator will properly scrutinise the ownership, management, and wider corporate governance of professional clubs - ensuring any changes to these are in the best interests of the club as a whole. The Regulator will also be responsible for implementing minimum standards for fan engagement and reinforced protection of club heritage to stop owners changing names, badges and home shirt colours without consulting fans, as well as fan consultation and approval for sales or relocations. In addition, it will ensure that clubs are only able to compete in approved competitions, preventing future ‘super-league’ attempts. It follows the collapse of the condemned European Super League two years ago.
As part of its wide ranging remit the regulator will also:
- Ensure club directors demonstrate good basic financial practices, have appropriate financial resources and protect the core assets of the club;
- Improve governance through the introduction of a Football Club Corporate Governance Code;
- Remain proportionate and adaptive in its approach with checks and balances embedded in its design;
Stuart Anderson MP said: “For over a hundred and thirty years, Wolverhampton Wanderers has played an integral role in supporting our economy and community by bringing people of all backgrounds and all walks of life together. I am proud to back the Government’s action to put power back in the hands of fans. With a strong and independent regulator, it will help safeguard the long-term future of the beautiful game and contribute towards the sustainability of clubs across the country.”
Prime Minister RIshi Sunak said: "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. Yet despite the success of the sport both at home and abroad, we know that there are real challenges which threaten the stability of clubs both big and small. These bold new plans will put fans back at the heart of football, protect the rich heritage and traditions of our much-loved clubs and safeguard the beautiful game for future generations."