Fair Game supporters’ group urges the Government to fully consider fan-led review ahead of final publication

AFC Wimbledon fans during the first meeting with MK Dons following the formation of AFC, 2012
Michael Regan/Getty Images

The Dons Trust, the fan group who own AFC Wimbledon, are urging the Government not to sweep aside former sports minister Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review into the game.

Crouch published her preliminary findings back in July, but the full review is expected to be released this month.

The former sports minister has already called for an independent regulator to be introduced to football, while adding supporters should have rights to a “golden share”.

Crouch has been working with a panel on the review, which includes ex-England boss Roy Hodgson, and they have heard over 100 hours of oral evidence from fan groups, leagues, the FA, clubs at every level of the pyramid and many more.

The preliminary findings of the review have encouraged many EFL sides, particularly those who are part of Fair Game. The group, which boasts over 30 clubs, has been spearheaded by the Dons Trust and is demanding fundamental changes in how football is run and financed.

“These weeks promise to be transformational for football,” said Dons Trust co-chair Xavier Wiggins.

“Fair Game was born out of a Dons Trust meeting. It now has 31 clubs, supported by over 40 world-renowned experts, looking to deliver realistic long-term solutions to football’s problems - such as financial sustainability and protecting the heritage and traditions of our clubs.

“Tracey Crouch’s interim report was promising and we believe we are now on the cusp of something brilliant.

“It took in most of Fair Game’s calls and suggestions and we’re looking forward to reading the final version. Let’s hope our politicians step up to the plate and deliver.”

Tracey Crouch

Fair Game chief executive, Niall Couper, added: “Our heartfelt thanks and praise goes to Tracey Crouch for producing such a thorough review.

“The hard work, however, does not stop now.

“For the sake of clubs like Bury and Macclesfield, for the fans threatened by the European Super League and for the future of football, we cannot allow this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fail.

“We cannot allow this report to be condemned to gather dust in some dark cellar under the Houses of Parliament. We need legislation and we need it now.”

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