“Fans want it, politicians want it, communities want it. The question now is to ensure that it is fit for purpose”

Niall Couper, Fair Game CEO

“Fans want it, politicians want it, communities want it. The question now is to ensure that it is fit for purpose”

Niall Couper, Fair Game CEO

“At first glance it looks like a B+. But it is not perfect. Over the new football weeks those that truly care about football need to work tirelessly to turn this into an A*”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“We need to start championing financial sustainability, good governance, equality standards and fan engagement. And there is a huge role Liverpool and Everton can play in shaping that new future for football. A fairer future.”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“Now is the time to resurrect the concept of the ‘solidarity levy’. It would transform the lower echelons of the football pyramid”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“Football needs a culture change. It needs to start celebrating and rewarding good behaviour, and we believe the Sustainability Index does that.”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“The big question is: ‘Can the Game fix itself?’ the answer has to be: ‘No, no and no!’ If you think otherwise you either are a Free market zealot or you have a vested interest or you read Hans Christian Anderson at nights before you go to sleep.”

Mark Palios, owner, Tranmere Rovers

“Reckless, unregulated gamblers are pushing our clubs to the brink and unless the proposed regulator controls the flow of money in the game and rewards well-run sustainable clubs it will miss the target entirely.”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“The continuing delays to reform have only served to harden the resolve of Fair Game clubs. Football’s governance needs a reset. The financial flow needs an overhaul. We need legislation now”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“Tracey’s report was a real milestone for football. It spelt out a new future. There is no doubt that football needs reform. Fans know it. The clubs know it. And politicians know it. Yet, the Government has been ignoring them all.”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“It is not a difficult solution: Michelle Donelan. At the Dispatch Box. With the White Paper. Now.”

Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

““To backtrack now betrays towns and communities up and down the country. The regulator is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save the game we love.” Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“Having survived the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could well be the death knell for the hard-working community clubs lower down the pyramid. Lower league football clubs are the heartbeat of their communities, but right now they are in intensive care.” Niall Couper, CEO, Fair Game

“We see great potential for football to take more responsibility for socially relevant issues. Fair Game’s Sustainability Index will make an important contribution to this and we're excited to be a part of its further development.” Nico Decurtins, Responsiball

“Since 2019, the Conservative Party have made the right noises in terms of football governance. Now it is up to Liz Truss to complete the job and save our National Game.” Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game

“It’s a new season but the crisis at the heart of the game is the same. Here we have yet more evidence that football’s finances are broken. This report should be a wake-up call. Football has consistently shown itself incapable of regulating itself. We need Government intervention and an independent regulator. Without this the clubs at the heart of our towns and communities will continue to be at risk,” Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game

“This so-called ‘New Deal for Football’ is deeply flawed. It shows a complete lack of respect for the hard-working community clubs that are the heart and soul of so many towns throughout the country. The football pyramid is not the Premier League’s play thing,” Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game

“It is about football, but more importantly about Community values for all. Everyone should be able to benefit from the big bucks income of the professional game,” says Mark Wilson, Labour Cllr for Ulverston East

“Poor governance at clubs allows owners like those at Derby County to hide their risk-taking behaviours putting centuries of tradition and community at risk”

Niall Couper, CEO Fair Game

“The status quo betrays the 157 towns that are currently seeing their clubs losing out”

Niall Couper, CEO Fair Game