This week has seen a worrying change of heart from the Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, regarding the introduction of an independent football regulator. Her party proposed this bill in the first place – it was in their manifesto at the election last year – and she stated to a constituent two years ago: ”I support these reforms”.
The Tory leader claims to have spoken to people “in the industry” which brought about this change of heart. As far as we can tell through our contacts at the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), this does not include the EFL, who represent 72 clubs and strongly back the regulator. Nor has she spoken with the FSA.
With the support of the FSA, we ask Ms Badenoch to confirm who she has spoken to within the game.
We hope that any consultation is with more than only club owners. It is key that we, the fans, have our input as well.
The Clarets Trust remain actively supportive of the Football Governance Bill, which is currently making its way through the House of Lords. When the wealthy call the shots in football, it is too often the supporters who lose out.
