Fair Game Annual Conference 2026
Day two: a game for everyone
Wednesday 25 March @National Football Museum, Manchester
Sponsorship opportunities are available here.
Day overview: who is it for?
Following a deep dive into governance, finance, and regulation on Day One, today’s programme takes a broader look at football’s future.
Day Two is designed for everyone with a stake in the game, from club executives and policymakers to students and passionate fans. The discussions will explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping modern football, from the introduction of the independent regulator to the survival of crisis-hit clubs, and the future of the World Cup.
This day is particularly valuable for:
Football industry professionals looking to understand the future landscape of the game.
Students and early-career professionals aiming to deepen their knowledge and make industry connections.
Supporters and fan groups advocating for fairer, more inclusive football.
Journalists and academics analysing the evolution of the sport.
Club executives and administrators preparing for new regulatory and structural changes.
Campaigners and activists working towards a fairer future for football.
day two: Programme
08:00 - 09:30 | Invite-only Breakfast Panel
The Elephant in the Room: Manchester and football ethics (hosted by Fair Square)
08:45 - 09:45 | Registration
Check in, grab a coffee or breakfast, and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s discussions begin.
08:45 - 17:00 | Stalls
Football’s ecosystem has left its trail of woe over the last few decades. This year Fair Game’s Stalls will give you the chance to hear from people who have first-hand experience of tackling and dealing with the problems football faces. The stalls are split into two zones…
Football for Good Zone
Hear from cutting edge charities, NGOs, and consultants all committed to delivering a fairer future for football. Stallholders include:
BatesWells
Campbell Tickell
Fair Square
Flaire
Football Beyond Borders
Future Plus
Gambling with Lives
Girl Power
Kit Revolution
Level Playing Field
Mandrology
Onside Law
The Sports Effect
Sports Local Action
Sportradar
Team Brave
Experience Zone
Football clubs, supporter groups, trust and foundations have faced numerous challenges over the last few years, hear their stories:
Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust
Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust
Luton Town Supporters Trust
Black and White Together (Derby County)
09:45 - 10:00 | Conference Welcome
A brief introduction to the themes of the day and the discussions ahead, with the CEO of the Manchester FA Colin Bridgford and Fair Game CEO Niall Couper
10:00 - 10.30 | Owner Insight Report Launch
Ben Cowdock showcases the findings from Transparency International and Fair Game’s research into Owners and Directors
10:30 - 11:15 | Crisis Clubs – Can We Stop Clubs from Collapsing?
The Athletic’s Matt Slater chairs a timely sesssion. From historic institutions to lower-league sides, too many football clubs have faced financial ruin. Steve Chu, secretary of Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust, and Brad Seymour, Director of Bury FC, join the panel to explore why clubs keep falling into crisis and what solutions exist to protect their future.
11:15 - 11:30 | Break
A chance to network
11:30 - 12:00 | Chloe Morgan In Conversation with… Natalie Washington
Broadcaster and former professional footballer Chloe Morgan interviews legendary Football v Homophobia campaigner Natalie Washington.
12:00 - 12.45 | The Regulator – What Does It Mean for Football? (sponsored by Indigo)
With an independent regulator set to reshape the football landscape, this panel will examine how it will work, who it will impact, and what it hopes to achieve. Will it create a more sustainable, fairer game, or could it introduce new challenges for clubs and competitions? The panel includes acclaimed broadcaster and author of Where’s the Money Gone Adrian Goldberg
12:45 - 13:30 | Lunch break
A chance to explore the local eateries of Manchester and grab a bit to eat and network with people with shared values and to join Adrian Goldberg for a book signing Q&A.
13:30 - 14:00 | Player Development Reward
The Union of European Clubs (UEC) will present its proposal that transforms how football clubs across Europe are rewarded for developing young talent. A must for clubs and media to listen to. Presented by the UEC’s General Secretary Dennis Gudasic and their CEO and former Ireland international Gareth Farrelly
14:00 - 14:45 | Leon Mann In Conversation with… Brian Deane
The co-founder of the Black List Leon Mann asks why is there so little diversity in senior roles in football with former England international and Leeds and Sheffield United legend Brian Deane
14:45 - 15:15 | Break
A chance to network, explore the museum and get that essential cup of tea
15:15 - 16:00 | Have the World Cup finals become a sportswashing sham? (sponsored by Fair Square)
Listen to a panel unpicking the geopolitics that have begun to engulf the world’s No 1 sporting showpiece, with journalist and academic David Goldblatt, Janie Frampton, the second woman referee in men’s professional football in England and FIFA Instructor, and award-winning author Philippe Auclair.
16:00 - 16:45 | Keynote
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram & TBC
16:45 - 17:00 | Close
Join us for an inspiring day of thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and engaging debate as we explore the future of football for everyone.