“Football is being used as a real positive – positive for individuals, communities and society – and you only have to look at the brilliant outreach programmes that are offered by all of our football clubs across the county to see how important they are to their communities.

“But what happens when this goes wrong? Following the pandemic, many teams outside the Premier League are struggling financially, and if you add mismanagement into that, you have a situation that could threaten the very existence of the club.”

Council leader Cllr Lezley Picton

Lucy Powell tells Fair Game that new regulator must have financial flow at “its heart”

“Football has extra responsibility because we all belong to a football club, they are our identity, where you come from, where our history is – the people who love us and care for us. We need to make football a bad environment for those who don’t want to live up to that responsibility.”

Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South

“If the aim is to secure football’s long-term future, then we need a regulator that’s match fit.”

Niall Couper, Fair Game CEO

The co-owner of Grimsby Town has issued a stark warning to Britain’s politicians: Failure to implement a regulator into football would be ‘catastrophic’

“Every fan of every club dreams that their team will one day ascend the dizzy heights of the football pyramid. But recent moves by some of the biggest clubs have attempted to pull up the drawbridge. We hope this new role will counteract that.”

Cllr Doug Rathbone, Mayor of Kendal 

“There is a lot to be welcomed in the White Paper - stronger rules on financial regulation, a corporate governance code, and protection of a club’s heritage. But there are still a few issues that need to be resolved - notably financial flow and whether the regulator will have the teeth it needs”

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

“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