I think the combination of many Tory MPs now having red-wall constituencies in the north and last spring's attempted breakaway European super league, has finally seen the idea get off the ground. They endorsed a report by Tracey Crouch MP which proposed a regulatory body with swingeing powers to, for example, hold owners to account, put a levy on transfer fees that will help the lower leagues and women's game, and powers for fans to overrule owners on matters like the super league or changing the club name. This is great news for football in England. I doubt the IREF will be as powerful Crouch proposes but even if it is most of what she has recommended, then the ordinary supporter will benefit.
In recent years we have seen both Bury FC and Macclesfield Town go under; we've seen the owner of Hull City try to change the name to the Hull Tigers; the owner of Cardiff City propose changing the club colours from blue to red, and the emblem from bluebirds to a dragon; and we've seen the attempted breakaway of the rich and entitled owners of the biggest clubs in England to set up the European super league. We've also seen many international hedge funds and investment companies buy local clubs and not always with the fans, or the good of the local game, at the top of their agendas.
In recent years we have seen both Bury FC and Macclesfield Town go under; we've seen the owner of Hull City try to change the name to the Hull Tigers; the owner of Cardiff City propose changing the club colours from blue to red, and the emblem from bluebirds to a dragon; and we've seen the attempted breakaway of the rich and entitled owners of the biggest clubs in England to set up the European super league. We've also seen many international hedge funds and investment companies buy local clubs and not always with the fans, or the good of the local game, at the top of their agendas.
As it stands there are no independent bodies which can support local fans trying to take on rich and powerful people and organisations. Crouch, in an interview with Sky Sports News said, "The vested interests in football....will be completely removed". Big words indeed, but can she deliver a regulatory body with that sort of clout? Let's hope so.
At the moment the EPL contributes money for the lower leagues and grass roots development but not the clubs themselves. Crouch proposes that they contribute from club profits. Clearly the club chairmen are not happy and the inevitable pushback has started. Some chairmen have said the IREF will "hamstring" the league as it seeks to compete with other rival leagues. I disagree, having the fans happy and supporting the club is what makes English football so special. The grounds are always full and the atmospheres are something special compared with similar leagues. The one area where Crouch doesn't tread upon is the problem of agents. She says that the response needs to come from FIFA and UEFA, and unfortunately, she is probably right.
So, altogether a promising start to the process of setting up the IREF. If all goes to plan it should be up and running for the 23/24 season. Crouch has done well so far, and I hope that Boris accepts what she proposes and gives the fans a regulatory body with real teeth and claws, one that English football fans deserve.
At the moment the EPL contributes money for the lower leagues and grass roots development but not the clubs themselves. Crouch proposes that they contribute from club profits. Clearly the club chairmen are not happy and the inevitable pushback has started. Some chairmen have said the IREF will "hamstring" the league as it seeks to compete with other rival leagues. I disagree, having the fans happy and supporting the club is what makes English football so special. The grounds are always full and the atmospheres are something special compared with similar leagues. The one area where Crouch doesn't tread upon is the problem of agents. She says that the response needs to come from FIFA and UEFA, and unfortunately, she is probably right.
So, altogether a promising start to the process of setting up the IREF. If all goes to plan it should be up and running for the 23/24 season. Crouch has done well so far, and I hope that Boris accepts what she proposes and gives the fans a regulatory body with real teeth and claws, one that English football fans deserve.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports. |
