Fair Game heaped praise on the hard work of Tracey Crouch MP and her panel, after the publication of their long-awaited fan-led review into football governance.
 
The key issues of concern to Fair Game have all been acknowledged and addressed in the review – the creation of an independent regulator, financial sustainability, good governance, fan engagement, equality standards, protection of the heritage and tradition of clubs, and a fairer distribution of funds throughout the pyramid.
 
Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, said: “This is a momentous day for football. The hard work that Tracey Crouch and her panel have put in over the last few months has truly paid off.
 
“Football is broken and today we have a roadmap to fix it. 
 
“As the review repeatedly highlights, problems have persisted for far too long.
 
“The 162-page document is testament to Crouch’s love of the game and her determination to end the horrors that have haunted our national game for generations..
 
"The review honours the pyramid, respects the supporters and puts in place the steps needed to deliver proper governance.
 
“But most importantly it raises the need to address the financial flow within football.
 
“At present a club relegated from the Premier League earns £55m in parachute payments that is more than the Premier League gives to all the clubs of League One, League Two, the National League, the National League North, the National League South, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship put together. One club being given more than 144.
 
“The commitment to deliver a fairer system is spelt out clearly in the review.
 
“It shows ambition worthy of our national game.
 
“It is now time for the government to take rapid action to ensure all the recommendations are implemented, and allow the review to complete its journey and deliver a fairer future for football.
 
“We cannot allow this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fail.”