Fair Game Annual Conference 2026
Day two: a game for everyone
Wednesday 25 March @National Football Museum, Manchester
Easy access from numerous train stations.
Click this link for full travel information on how to get to the venue.
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 - Fair Square and Pro-Manchester
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:
Fair Square
Level Playing Field
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
09:45 - 10:00 | Conference Welcome
A brief introduction to the themes of the day and the discussions ahead, with Fair Game CEO Niall Couper
10:15 - 11:15 | Report Launch
Showcasing either Fair Game’s Owners and Directors test or the latest UEC findings
10:15 - 11:15 | Crisis Clubs – Can We Stop Clubs from Collapsing?
From historic institutions to lower-league sides, too many football clubs have faced financial ruin. This panel will explore why clubs keep falling into crisis and what solutions exist to protect their future.
Why are clubs still going into administration despite financial regulations?
The role of fan ownership, sustainability models, and governance reform.
Learning from past failures—what needs to change?
11:15 - 11:30 | Break
A chance to network
11:30 - 12.30 | The Regulator – What Does It Mean for Football?
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?
Insights from key figures in football governance and regulation.
What clubs need to know as they prepare for change..
12:30 - 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
13:30 - 14:15 | Chloe Morgan In Conversation with… xxxxx
Broadcaster and former professional footballer Chloe Morgan goes head to head with a leading Women’s Super League footballer to unpick the issues in the women’s game.
14:15 - 14:45 | Break
A chance to network, explore the museum and get that essential cup of tea
14:45 - 15:15 | Have the World Cup finals become a sportswashing sham?
Listen to a panel unpicking the geopolitics that have begun to engulf the world’s No 1 sporting showpiece.
15:45 - 16:00 | Break
A chance to network
16:00 - 16:30 | Keynote speaker
Hear from the political leaders of the North West about how they see the future of football.
16:30 - 16:45 | 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.