03/02/2012
MUST NEWS: Political campaign for reform of football continues at Westminster
MUST representatives Oli Winton and Duncan Drasdo attended a Supporters Direct reception in Parliament on Wednesday, to see SD's proposals for football club licensing being formally launched. The Government has committed to the introduction of a licensing system to improve governance in the game and has asked the football authorities to present their ideas for its precise content by the end of this month, so this was a timely event.
Speeches were made by representatives of all the main parties as well as by William Gaillard, Advisor to the President at UEFA. It was an impressive turnout of over 30 MPs as well as SD and FSF representatives and members of many other trusts across all levels of the game.
SD's proposals particularly focus on integrating supporters' trusts into the governance of their clubs, which MPs on all sides of the House backed. William Gaillard talked about the journey UEFA have taken towards licensing, including the introduction of Financial Fair Play, part of the new UEFA licensing criteria.
Brian Burgess, Acting Chief Executive of SD, said "We have laid down what we consider to be sensible, considered proposals, that provide a formal route for supporters' trusts to earn the right to be involved in the governance of their clubs in a constructive fashion. Today is evidence that we have wide-scale, cross-party support for a set of proposals that will actively enhance the relationship between supporters' trusts, clubs and their communities.
It was extremely encouraging to hear praise from other trusts, academics and politicians for MUST's campaign work. Sometimes it is easy to forget how much our organisation and the efforts of many of our members has achieved - especially if you listen to what some of our own fans say. Lobbying work continues on Football Governance reform before we move our focus to how the Government can fulfil its Coalition Agreement commitment to "encourage supporter ownership"
MUST report by: Oli Winton (MUST Committee Member)
Associate Director, Luther Pendragon
Links:
SD reception details:
SD proposal for a comprehensive licensing system:
SD report on reception: