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English football needs an independent regulator to solve its “crisis,” say a group of key figures including Gary Neville and former Football Association president David Bernstein.
Former Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are also part of the group.
They have published a manifesto in favor of change entitled ‘Saving our beautiful game’.
It comes after the Premier League rejected the ‘Project Big Picture’ reforms led by Liverpool and Manchester United.
“If the EPL [English Premier League] is to play its role as the pinnacle of the national game, its responsibilities and financial contribution to the game in general should be defined more carefully, “said the manifesto.
“It must also be complemented by an effective and independent body that supervises the financial regulation of gambling.
“The FA lacks credibility and has proven largely ineffective as a governing body. It has not been modernized and is not sufficiently independent.”
He added that “fundamental issues” to be addressed include:
- Financial disparity and unsustainability A power structure that is fundamentally unbalanced A shortage of BAME coaches and managers at the top level, a general lack of diversity and the “exploitation” of clubs and fans
The group said it is clear that “football has shown itself incapable of self-reforming.
- Project Big Picture: Premier League managers react after proposals rejected
The ‘Project Big Picture’ was unveiled amid clubs trying to deal with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
His suggestions included reducing the Premier League from 20 to 18 clubs and eliminating the EFL Cup and Community Shield.
Furthermore, the English Football League would have received 25% of all future television deals, which would have been jointly negotiated, plus a £ 250 million ransom.
However, more power would also have been transferred to the so-called ‘big six’ Premier League clubs: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham.
The controversial plans were rejected at a meeting of the top 20 clubs in England on Wednesday, and the members agreed to “work together” on a new “strategic plan” for the “financing of English football”.
And, although they agreed on a £ 50 million rescue package for League One and Two clubs, there was no decision on financial support for the Championship.
‘Football can come kicking and screaming’
Bernstein led the FA for three years starting in January 2011 and was also president of Manchester City.
He has doubts about the Premier League coming up with a new “strategic plan” and believes in the need for an independent regulator backed by parliament after previous reform plans failed to bring change.
“It’s all very good all of a sudden talking about strategic plans one day after something else failed,” Bernstein told BBC Sport’s Laura Scott.
“It doesn’t really ring true to me. I don’t think football across the board can come together enough to do this.”
He added: “Soccer can come kicking and screaming at this, it may well have to be forced on soccer.
“History has repeated itself over and over again, football has not taken advantage of the opportunities it has had to fundamentally reform itself, and we are seeing the consequences, it is there in front of us.
“I think everyone agrees that something needs to be done, people differ on what it might be. I think the other things that you’re seeing are potentially unworkable or destructive to part of the game that we know and love.”
How would the ‘Saving Our Beautiful Game’ manifesto help?
“Today the Football League (EFL), the National League and their clubs face, by their own admission, a potentially catastrophic future unless a long-term solution is found. Many professional clubs are close to liquidation,” said the manifest.
“We believe that if our recommendations were enforced, that assistance would have been easier to organize within a clear framework for the relationship between the Premier League and the rest of the game. Unfortunately, there is no such framework.”
“This manifesto is an attempt to tackle these problems in the longer term and to put English football in a stronger and more balanced position for the benefit of all in the future.
“Our conclusion is clear and radical. Outside participation in the form of a regulator backed by legal powers is required to reform the way our national game is governed.
“This is the only realistic way to bring real change, stability and long-term health to professional and grassroots football in this country.”
Who is part of the group presenting the manifesto?
- David bernstein – former president of the FA and Manchester CityGary Neville – former England and Manchester United defenderDenise Lewis – Former British Olympic gold medal winner in heptathlonAndy Burnham – Mayor of Greater ManchesterDavid davies – Former CEO of FAHelen Grant – Conservative MPLord Mervyn King – Former Governor of the Bank of England and former Director of Aston VillaGreg scott – Lawyer
Source: bbc.com
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