Football Clubs Launch Urgent Call On MPs To Save Our National Game

Save Our National Game ● Clubs and fans take part in Fair Game week

● Fair Game warns the game is on a financial precipice and calls on politicians to commit to turning the Fan-Led Review into legislation

● MPs urged to go to a game to see clubs’ importance to communities

The 34 value-driven clubs of Fair Game today called on the Government to bring in legislation to save our national game as soon as possible.

The call is part of a week of action from Fair Game that will see dozens of clubs and their supporters reach out to MPs across the country with the sole aim of getting their support for Fair Game and back the recommendations of the recent Fan-Led Review.

The 34 clubs of Fair Game will share tweets, air videos, and run programme ads and messages on screens in grounds on match days - all highlighting the need for change in the way football is run. The 34 will also ask MPs to attend a match.

The week will culminate in an open session in parliament on Wednesday 20 April where Fair Game's CEO Niall Couper and ex-England international and Fair Game ambassador will encourage MPs to gather and show their support.

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Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, said: “Football is on a financial precipice. In recent years we have seen the demise of Bury and Macclesfield and Derby County remain in peri. Our research revealed that in 2020 – that’s before the pandemic – 52% of England's top clubs were technically insolvent. A majority of clubs are only one bad owner away from ceasing to exist.

"The impact of a town losing a hard-working community club cannot be underestimated.

"The Fan-Led Review has given hope that a new future is on the horizon. But that hope risks being extinguished without legislation.

"We need to protect our communities’ clubs. Football needs to be more financially sustainable, it needs better governance, proper equality standards, and real fan and community engagement.

“We need out politicians to make a firm commitment to back Fair Game and implement all the recommendations of the Review."

In a video recorded for Fair Game, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “As a child I remember walking towards Goodison Park surrounded by the blue shirts. And the smells on the terraces. The sense of community and belonging. That needs to be protected.”

He added: "Football is integral to our communities. The game needs a reboot. I back the need for an independent regulator, for an Owners and Directors Test that is fit for purpose, and most importantly the protection of the heritage and traditions of our clubs."