Fair Game, for which Tranmere Rovers FC is one of 18 members, took its mission to reboot our national game to the House of Commons today.
Fair Game is seeking to influence and work with the government’s fan-led review, chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, to ensure the opportunity for fair, lasting change is taken.
Fair Game believes English football should be reformed based around four principles - sustainability, integrity, transparency and community – and we are working closely with the best minds in academia to develop solutions to the problems the game has. These include:
- Long-term protection for the heritage and tradition of clubs
- Proper fan engagement
- Equality standards that mean something
- Stopping clubs spending more than they earn on player wages
- Fairer redistribution of TV revenue
- Financial sustainability and transparency
There were speeches from Alison McGovern, the Shadow Minister for Sport and the Labour MP for Wirral South, and the Conservative MP Damian Collins, the former chair of the Department of Media, Culture and Sport Select Committee.
Before former England international and Fair Game ambassador John Scales explained his role; and Phil Young, the chair of the Shakers Community, the owners of Bury AFC, outlined the plight of his club.
The afternoon was rounded off by Fair Game’s experts outlining potential solutions to football’s current woes.
Tranmere Rovers Chairman Mark Palios said: "We are determined to help build realistic and meaningful solutions.
“The review represents a real opportunity to reboot the game and all stakeholders, including football clubs, should be encouraged to ensure a sustainable long-term future so our traditions and heritage built up over decades is never put at risk.
“Football should be at the heart of the community.
"As football clubs, we have a responsibility to lead that change. Our next task is to bring the lawmakers along with us and turn our proposals into a lasting reality.”