I’m delighted to be here today to speak to members of the FSA, the Football Supporters’ Association, as Minister for Sport, at the home of English football – Wembley Stadium.
It’s a privilege to join you at this AGM which is of course Malcolm Clarke’s last as chair, after a mere 22 years. I know the huge impact he has had, and I wish you well.
You are all meeting here today to discuss how fans can be given a greater voice and ensure your concerns are addressed by the game.
Fans are the heart and soul of the game and I want to set out how this government will support you.
The inclusion of the Football Governance Bill in the King’s Speech on Wednesday is the first step in delivering that support – by introducing a new regulator for football in law.
The FSA is one of our key partners, ensuring that the voice of fans is represented as we develop these proposals. I want to continue to work with you to deliver this commitment which will ensure a more sustainable future for our football clubs and to ensure fans’ voices are heard. Having worked with you closely over the last few months, I know firsthand the impact you have had.
Every football fan deserves the opportunity to follow the team that they love without having to fight back against unsuitable owners; battle to keep their club’s name, colours and badge; see their club try to join a closed league of select clubs syphoned off from the rest of the English football pyramid; or even risk their club disappearing altogether.
Our football fans are the best in the world – which is why we are committed to repaying that dedication – by making this country the best place in the world to be a football fan.
We’ll do this by giving fans a greater say in the way their club is run and ensure the financial sustainability of football clubs, protecting them for generations to come.
This will include ensuring that clubs regularly consult a representative group of fans on strategic matters and other issues of interest to supporters. This means that a wide range of fans, regardless of background, will have the opportunity to have their voices heard.
Too often we’ve seen how the financial mismanagement of beloved clubs like Bury has a devastating impact on loyal fans and local communities. Indeed, the Secretary of State’s first visit was to Gigg Lane. Irresponsible owners, unsustainable financial models and inadequate regulation have cast a shadow over too many of our community clubs.
Their experiences highlight the frailties of current football governance systems in place to help protect clubs. Governance systems that have led to excessive and reckless risk-taking, something that the new regulatory regime will address.
But while we work to address those issues, I also want to recognise the fantastic global success story that is English football. It is one of our greatest cultural exports, attracting more viewers and higher revenues than any of its international rivals.
That’s why we need to ensure that the Regulator’s approach is proportionate, risk-based and targeted, while keeping fans at its heart. I’m confident that providing this stable regulatory environment will attract investors that will improve the experience for you, the fans. This is a view which is also shared by a number of clubs across the footballing pyramid.
I know that the risks clubs face are real and current. So we will act as quickly as the parliamentary timetable will allow to get the Regulator in place.
I want to finish by thanking the FSA for inviting me to speak at this year’s AGM.
And to take the opportunity to congratulate Kevin Miles on the award of an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition for his services to football.
This honour acknowledges the dedication which Kevin has given over so many years to ensuring that the interests of football fans are championed and that local communities have a staunch ally in protecting their local football clubs.
These local clubs are an essential part of the social fabric of Britain.
They are vital community assets that bring together people from all backgrounds, which is why we need to protect and nourish them in the interests of fans and the local communities they serve.
I look forward to our continued working partnership as we move forward to reform football for the better.