The new Conservative government will “betray” football fans and clubs if Prime Minister Liz Truss backs down from plans to introduce an independent regulator as expected, say activists, who insist it is needed to “save the game”.
- The new government may abandon plans to introduce an independent regulator
- Prime Minister Liz Truss is reluctant to move forward with the plans
- The plans were developed under the scrutiny of football by former Sport Minister Tracey Crouch
The new Conservative government will betray football fans and hard-working clubs deep in the pyramid if they abandon plans to introduce an independent regulator, activists say.
Reports that Prime Minister Liz Truss is reluctant to move forward with plans stemming from former Sport Secretary Tracey Crouch’s review of football have sparked dismay among many fans.
“To back down now is a betrayal for cities and communities across the country,” said Niall Couper, CEO of campaign group Fair Game.
“The Regulator is a unique opportunity to save the game we love.
“Hard working football clubs, fans and politicians from all sides have worked so hard together to get to this point.
The new Conservative government could abandon plans to introduce an independent regulator
New Prime Minister Liz Truss is reluctant to move forward with these plans for football
“Former Conservative Secretary of Sport Tracey Crouch conducted a thorough review of football’s governance and the government’s official response earlier this year came to the same conclusion: football is broken and needs an independent regulator.”
Fair Game is a club-led organization set up to deal with the governance of football and the financial health of the game across the pyramid, working with 34 member clubs in the EFL and outside the league.
In a statement released on Thursday, Couper added: “Since the turn of the century over a third of our top clubs have gone into administration and in recent years we have seen the decline of Bury and Macclesfield.
Former Sport Secretary Tracey Crouch (centre) conducted a thorough review of football
“In 2020 – that’s before the pandemic – 52% of our top clubs were technically insolvent.
“Since then the pandemic has brought clubs to the brink of collapse and the cost of living crisis could mean the end of the road for many.
“We also have an owner and director test that is not fit for purpose. Football has to change.”
