The Fan-Led Review which has run over recent months has published its recommendations.
The review, chaired by Tracy Crouch MP, whose partner is an Argyle fan, proposes a wide range of changes to the governance of the English game which seek to lay the basis for a fair and sustainable future for football at all levels.
The Argyle Fans’ Trust, which has participated in the League 1 and 2 fan representative meetings with the review panel, welcomes the report.
As the democratic voice of Argyle supporters the AFT will work with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), other supporter Trusts and local MPs to help ensure the recommendations are turned into appropriate and effective legislation and regulation in the coming months.
The headline change is the introduction of a new Independent Regulator for English Football (IREF).
While it is a shame that this step is needed, the clear message from the review was that the EFL has failed to act when fans of several clubs have sought intervention, and thus the strong consensus was that only way to ensure long-term effective protection is through independent regulation.
Other recommendations include a new club licensing system, stricter financial fitness tests for new owners and directors, additional “real time” checks on club finances, the establishment of a “shadow supporter board” for each club, and a “Golden Share’”that would protect the heritage of a club – aspects such as its name, where it plays, its badge and the colours of its home shirt.
The full report, running to over 150 pages, can be read on the FSA site.
The Golden Share is of particular interest to the AFT, given the intent of the recommendation is that it is the legally established supporter trust for a club that would be the holder of the share, and that for a club to receive its licence to operate the conditions of the share must be written into the Articles of the club.
While the share carries no financial weight, in principle it can protect against the type of issues seen at clubs such as Wimbledon and Hull City.
While the Fan-Led Review recommendations will see important changes made, the AFT of course recognises that under chairman Simon Hallett, Argyle has become a shining example of a well run club, and alongside recounting at the review panel meeting the issues that led to Argyle entering administration ten years ago, the AFT also praised our owner for the great steps forward he has made at the club, not least by providing financial support through equity rather than adding debt, but also in areas such as much greater financial transparency and supporter engagement. The “shadow supporter board” in effect already exists with the Argyle Fans’ Assembly, in which the AFT participates, and this is bolstered by events like the Fan Forums. But unfortunately this is not the case for many, many other clubs.
The AFT would welcome comments from members, and from other Argyle supporter groups, on the Fan Led Review report, and any queries or concerns about its implementation.
Together we can help make football at all levels fair and sustainable for everyone who loves the beautiful game.
The AFT Board
