The long-awaited government review into football governance was published yesterday evening with the potential impact of making major changes in the way our national game is to be run in the future. and handing power to fans over certain key issues.

As with all interested parties and stakeholders, the BWFCST will now examine the detail contained within the review but would like to express support for many of the recommendations listed below, including the setting up of an independent regulator. The full review can be viewed on our website by clicking here.

The Government has also responded to the report today with Nadine Dorries MP, Secretary of State for DCMS, endorsing the primary recommendation for creation of an independent regulator and can be viewed by clicking here.

The fan-led review panel, led by Tracey Crouch MP, has consulted with many fan groups, including the BWFCST on two separate occasions, in the preparation of proposals that people within football believe could make a massive difference to the way football is run.

The report makes 47 recommendations which are summed up in 10 major points:

1. To ensure the long-term sustainability of football, the Government should create a new independent regulator for English football (IREF)
2. To ensure financial sustainability of the professional game, IREF should oversee financial regulation in football.
3. New owners’ and directors’ tests for clubs should be established by IREF replacing the three existing tests and ensuring that only good custodians and qualified directors can run these vital assets.
4. Football needs a new approach to corporate governance to support a long-term sustainable future of the game.
5. Football needs to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in clubs with committed EDI Action Plans regularly assessed by IREF.
6. As a uniquely important stakeholder, supporters should be properly consulted by their clubs in taking key decisions by means of a Shadow Board.
7. Football clubs are a vital part of their local communities, in recognition of this there should be additional protection for key items of club heritage.
8. Fair distributions are vital to the long term health of football. The Premier League should guarantee its support to the pyramid and make additional, proportionate contributions to further support football.
9. Women’s football should be treated with parity and given its own dedicated review.
10. As an urgent matter, the welfare of players exiting the game needs to be better protected – particularly at a young age.

The BWFCST has also, along with many other supporters’ trusts, been involved in consultations with both the FSA and Fair Game throughout the preparation of the fan-led review.

Members will know of our close relationship and involvement with the FSA and last night they tweeted:

“The #FanLedReview report has launched – and we believe it has the potential to be a huge step forward for football governance. Now it’s the Government’s turn to deliver upon the proposals put forward by @tracey_crouch and her expert panel”

Fair Game is a growing group of EFL and National League clubs collectively pushing for change in the sport and they have said the review represents a "momentous day" for football and that there is now a real belief that the landscape of the game will change as a result.

The BWFCST will continue to play an active part as the next phase of the fan-led review unfolds, with the best interests of our club and the supporters always to the fore and will keep members updated with future developments.

If you are not already a BWFCST member, you can join today by clicking here.

BWFCST

25 November 2021