An Introduction to Fair Game
What’s it all about?
It’s been 12 years since UEFA introduced Financial Fair Play Regulations, established, in the words of then President Michel Platini, to “stop the downward spiral” of clubs spending above their means in pursuit of success.
You have to go back even further, to 2004, to trace the origins of the Fit and Proper Person test, mandated by the Premier League, EFL, National League and SPL to assess whether individuals were trustworthy and financially responsible enough to run a football club.
In spite of these apparent safeguards, you won’t have to travel too far to find a club with clear divides between owners and fans; alleged unscrupulous behaviour amongst senior figures involved with local sides; or clubs fighting hand-to-mouth for their very survival. Naturally, Covid-19 can take plenty of culpability for the financial mess some clubs find themselves in, at least for their short-term future. But even before the pandemic took hold, fans of the likes of Bury, Bolton, Coventry, Darlington, Chester, Rangers, Rushden and Diamonds, Kettering, Portsmouth and countless others can point to severe mis-management crippling, or at least threatening to ruin, their club. And that’s just in more recent years.
It is in this backdrop that Fair Game has formed. Initially comprised of a group of like-minded clubs throughout the land, Fair Game seeks above all to challenge the inequality and inadequate ownership that has been a stain on the Beautiful Game for far too long. Supported by a growing number of clubs from the EFL and National League, our ultimate intention is to deliver permanent and meaningful change with the game’s lawmakers, ensuring that fairness is at the heart of football governance and giving a platform for clubs to successfully operate within their communities for generations to come.
What are we calling for?
Essentially, Fair Game’s calls can be split into four areas: Sustainability, Integrity, Transparency, and Community.
Sustainability, because football in its current form does not provide a fair and responsible structure. We are calling on clubs to report on their long-term financial health in more open manners; an Owners’ and Directors’ Test that is considerably more fit for purpose; and a more equitable sharing of funding through the football pyramid.
Integrity, because our domestic competitions are under threat. The recent debacle around the European Super League is just the latest example. Greater recognition of our cup competitions in particular is required, while there are real concerns over introductions of B teams into the pyramid and the threat of relegation and promotion being removed.
Transparency, because football regulation in this country has failed for many years. The game requires independent regulation, with both the Government and other key decision makers playing a far more active role in its governance.
And community, because fan representation at the heart of football clubs is woefully inadequate. We believe there are a number of areas where clubs can become more deeply rooted in their local area, working closer with local politicians and other stakeholders; taking a leadership role in tackling discrimination; and being protected as a cultural asset.
Having only formed as recently as February 2021, we’re delighted to already have attracted the support of several EFL clubs and are in talks with over a dozen more. You can support us too. Check out our ‘help us’ page for more details.
Fair Game is a growing voice in football and our calls are only going to get louder over the months to come. Collectively, our principles are, quite clearly, in the wider interests of football.