The need for Fair Game
Football is in crisis in the UK. Covid devastated the finances of so many lower league clubs, and the cost-of-living crisis has now left dozens on the brink of survival. Yet, the game remains the richest sport in the UK. It is time to reboot the game and Fair Game is bringing together ‘value-driven’ clubs to call for change.
Our Vision
A sport where every fan can put their shirt on in the morning proud in what it stands for, safe in the knowledge that the traditions and heritage of their club will always be there.
Our Mission
We are led by clubs, supported by experts and backed by politicians.
We believe in sustainability, integrity and community.
We wish to see football governed with fairness, openness and transparency at its core; honouring the mantra that the game can be a force for good and putting clubs at the heart of the communites they serve.
Our Values
Fairness & Integrity
Open & Transparent
Collaborative & Engaging
Guided By Experts
Community-focused & inclusive
Our Principles
Sustainability: A financial structure that is fairer and more responsible
Integrity: Greater recognition of, and protections for, current competitions
Community: Embedded and structured fan engagement at all clubs
Our Call
Central to all changes is independent regulation that works, and that incentivises good management of football clubs.
A regulator free from vested interest, with the best skillsets to deliver, and representative of all elements of football and society.
Our Operations
Fair Game is a growing band of clubs committed to the same principles and determined to improve the governance of our national game for the wider interests of football.
We are focused on delivering real and long-lasting solutions. Fair Game has a wide pool of advisors and experts to call upon covering advocacy, corporate law, diversity and inclusion, ethical regulation, fan engagement, financial regulation, football agents, governance of football, governance of sport, human rights, owners and Directors legislation, and sustainability.
The day-to-day operations of Fair Game are largely run by board members and representatives of Fair Game clubs, with the able assistance of academics and sports experts all dedicated to helping deliver our aims and goals.
Our Governance
Fair Game’s day-to-day operations are run by our company directors, Niall Couper, Ian Bridge, Mark Middling, Elizabeth Anderson and Mike Baker.
Fair Game’s Advisory Council meets every quarter and includes club reps from the Premiership, League One, League Two, National League, National League South, National League North, non-league and the women’s game.
The Board is made up of three representatives from our Advisory Council (including the chair and vice-chair), the company directors and up to three non-executive directors. The Board meets every quarter to set the organisation’s direction.
If you have any questions about our governance, please get in touch at niall.couper@fairgameuk.co.uk