The Independent Everton Fan Advisory board (FAB) have called for new independent regulation of football (IFR).
The group have called for a full oversight of profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Chair of the FAB, David Kelly, said: “The Bill is a unique opportunity for the entire football community to make sure that the right safeguards are in place for our game and to ensure that fans are given a real voice in the running of our game.
“The step to introduce an independent regulator is a positive one, but it needs to have real teeth if it is going to ensure that it can rebalance self-interest in our game and deliver in the interest of all fans.
“The Premier League has proven that it can’t provide the right oversight of PSR in a fair, transparent, consistent or proportionate way. That’s why we believe full authority for the PSR should sit with the IFR.
“And whilst the moves to ensure that fan interests on issues like club heritage are welcome, the IFR should have a duty to consult with Fan Advisory Boards and fan groups, as well as ensuring representation on its Board and Expert Panel.
“We’ve seen far too many examples in recent years of football authorities disregarding the interest of fans.
“We now need to seize the opportunity to put fans at the heart of decision-making at every level of the game and encourage all fans – whoever they support – to ask their MPs to support these changes.”
Ahead of the 2nd reading of the #FootballGovernanceBill in @UKParliament today we have emailed all MPs to seek support in strengthening the Bill – we call for all UK football supporters to ask their MP to do the same.
Here's how:https://t.co/X5xndgJUdk#IFR #FanLedReview #IFRPSR pic.twitter.com/v6KMDugs3t— EFC_FanAdvisoryBoard (@EFC_FanAdvisory) April 23, 2024
Football Governance Bill to have second reading today
The statement came after the Football Governance Bill, which will have a second reading today. The Bill was introduced with the objective of protecting and promoting the sustainability of English Football.
Bills pass through various stages before being passed. Currently, at the second stage, the bill will need to pass through the committee stage, report, and third stage before becoming statute.
The proposed IFR was recommended by Tracey Crouch MP after a fan led review of football governance. It published guidelines on the principle that sanction should not unfairly impact fans but instead target owners and leaders of football clubs.
