Fan Led Review - One Year On

[BlackpoolSupportersTrust]

On behalf of BST, Tony Wilkinson and Robbie Whittaker attended a meeting in the House of Lords this morning, which kicked off a week of events highlighting the fact that a year has (already) elapsed since the original publication of the Tracey Crouch fan led review. It was attended by a mixture of MPs, Peers, DCMS officials, senior figures from the FSA, the FA, EPL, EFL and even a club owner, as well as a good representation of Supporters Trusts.

While a great deal of work has been done on the implementation stage of the review, visible progress has been patchy so far, which was acknowledged at today's gathering. Turmoil in Westminster politics has not helped, nor the failure of the EPL and EFL to reach a deal on revenue distribution - which was not unexpected.

But the Government has accepted the main strategic recommendations in their entirety, work on the White Paper is continuing "at pace" and Sports Minister Stuart Andrew, in opening the meeting, acknowledged that major reform is essential. Ms Crouch has ramped up the pressure for this with a "Times" article today in which she criticises the Government for not moving quicker and the EPL for obstructing the process having "listened to bad advice".

What can we do?

- write to your local MP demanding the pace of reform be quickened, and legislation brought forward

- join BST. Together, we have a louder voice and a bigger mandate to demand change

- join the FSA - Membership is free, and pursuing changes to governance is only a small fraction of what our national body does for all of us

 

[johnnyb]

At the BST AGM the other week, didn't Mr Benton say that if the EPL and EFL hadn't reached a financial agreement then one would be forced on them? Isn't that what should be happening now?

Also whilst it might be some sort of anniversary of the review publication, I can't help thinking the timing of this is to try and hide anything which comes out of this week amongst all the focus on the World Cup.

 

[Tangerinemoss]

Tsk tsk, starting a sentence with "But"

Good to hear it is still live, although with the Governments current obsession with looking after the mega rich, I cannot help but worry that the EPL will get first dibs.

 

[BlackpoolSupportersTrust]

At the BST AGM the other week, didn't Mr Benton say that if the EPL and EFL hadn't reached a financial agreement then one would be forced on them? Isn't that what should be happening now?

Also whilst it might be some sort of anniversary of the review publication, I can't help thinking the timing of this is to try and hide anything which comes out of this week amongst all the focus on the World Cup.

Johnny, the Government weren't hosting the event today ; it was the All Party Parliamentary Group for football supporters. The Minister was a guest at the meeting, rather than the host.

On. your first point. Mr. Benton is basically correct . The deadline given was actually the start of this season, and we heard nothing today to suggest that a deal was close or even likely. Never say never though, as I am sure pressure is being brought to bear. The prospect of an externally imposed solution will make BOTH EPL and EFL nervous.

 

[johnnyb]

Johnny, the Government weren't hosting the event today ; it was the All Party Parliamentary Group for football supporters. The Minister was a guest at the meeting, rather than the host.

On. your first point. Mr. Benton is basically correct . The deadline given was actually the start of this season, and we heard nothing today to suggest that a deal was close or even likely. Never say never though, as I am sure pressure is being brought to bear. The prospect of an externally imposed solution will make BOTH EPL and EFL nervous.

Thanks for the reply.

Interesting piece in The Guardian, which at one point says “Both sides know the threats implicit in the review – that if the leagues don’t strike a deal themselves, the regulator will write one for them – are unlikely to come to pass in the short term.” So I guess the timescales for this are still lengthy ?

 

[BlackpoolSupportersTrust]

Thanks for the reply.

Interesting piece in The Guardian, which at one point says “Both sides know the threats implicit in the review – that if the leagues don’t strike a deal themselves, the regulator will write one for them – are unlikely to come to pass in the short term.” So I guess the timescales for this are still lengthy ?

Johnny, we are awaiting a White Paper that will need to be backed by legislation. Assuming that is in the King's Speech in May (which is a big assumption), then the Bill might get Royal Assent before Christmas 2023. But that is about as fast as it can happen, we think.