Two Merseyside MPs have have sponsored a motion demanding that ‘no part of the game should be off the table’ in the government’s fan-led review of football.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the review on Tuesday amid the backlash against the short-lived Super League proposals.
It will examine the governance and regulation of the sport with a particular focus on the merits of independent regulation and fan input into key decisions.
Gateshead MP Ian Mearns has now tabled a motion urging the government to ensure that ‘the opportunity to instigate widespread reform’ is not missed.
Ian Byrne, the member for Liverpool West Derby, and Mick Whitley, the member for Birkenhead, were among the first six MPs to pledge support.
“[This House insists that the review] acknowledges that football has proven unable to govern itself from the top of the game with elite clubs running roughshod over the wishes of fans, players and coaches,” the motion read.
The group of MPs also backed the concept of supporter board members.
They believe that fans should be given influence over ticket prices, kick-off times, the distribution of finances and the funding of the grassroots game.
And they recognised that a ‘strong, independent regulatory body’, in tandem with legislation, may be required to ensure lasting change.
Mearns’ motion has earned 20 signatures thus far, with Liverpool Walton’s representative Dan Carden and Wavertree’s Paula Barker also providing their support.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is among the sponsors.
Corbyn is one three Independent MPs joining with Labour counterparts to back the motion.
(Main image licensed under Creative Commons)
