Policy paper

Terms of reference for the fan-led review of football governance

Published 22 April 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Applies to England

漏 Crown copyright 2021

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皇冠体育app independent review鈥檚 aim will be to explore ways of improving the governance, ownership and financial sustainability of clubs in English football, building on the strengths of the football pyramid.

皇冠体育app review will add to the recommendations of the English Football League鈥檚 Governance Review and the Government鈥檚 2016 Expert Working Group on Football Supporter Ownership and Engagement. 皇冠体育app review will be expected to engage extensively with fans to ensure any recommendations are led by fans鈥� experience and interests.

皇冠体育app Chair will meet regularly with the Minister for Sport to keep him informed of progress. 皇冠体育app final report will be presented to the Minister for Sport, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and 皇冠体育app Football Association (FA) on what steps can and should be taken, and how to implement them through legislative and non-legislative means. 皇冠体育app final report will be laid before Parliament and published.

皇冠体育app Review will:

  • Consider the multiple Owners鈥� and Directors鈥� Tests and whether they are fit for purpose, including the addition of further criteria;
  • Assess calls for the creation of a single, independent football regulator to oversee the sport鈥檚 regulations and compliance, and its relationship with the regulatory powers of 皇冠体育app FA and other football bodies;
  • Examine the effectiveness of measures to improve club engagement with supporters, such as structured dialogue, that were introduced on the back of the Expert Working Group;
  • Investigate ways league administrators could better scrutinise clubs鈥� finances on a regular basis;
  • Examine the flow of money through the football pyramid, including solidarity and parachute payments, and broadcasting revenue;
  • Explore governance structures in other countries, including ownership models, and whether any aspects could be beneficially translated to the English league system;
  • Look at interventions to protect club identity, including geographical location and historical features (e.g. club badges);
  • Examine the relationship between club interests, league systems and their place within the overall football pyramid.
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