The UK Government is drawing up radical proposals that would give football fans first option to buy their clubs if they are put up for sale.

The ideas, due to be included in the Labour manifesto, would also require clubs to hand over a stake of up to 25 per cent to supporters groups.

The Guardian newspaper reports that the plans are designed to tackle the growing anger at the level of debt carried by some football clubs. The proposals are said to include:

• Requiring clubs to hand a stake of up to 25 per cent to fans in recognition of their links with their local community.
• Implementing a change-of-control clause that would allow fans a window to put together a takeover of their club if it was up for sale or went into administration.
• Giving the football authorities a deadline to reform the FA and remove “vested interests” from the board, and streamline decision making.
• Introducing a unified system of governance that co-ordinates issues such as club ownership and youth development.
• Allowing professional leagues and the FA additional oversight of club takeovers.

Under the scheme to give fans a stake, supporters’ trusts with elected representatives, audited accounts and Financial Services Authority recognition would be responsible for maintaining the link between clubs and their community and ensuring fans are not priced out of the game, according to The Guardian.

The paper said that the Government could, however, face legal challenges from existing owners over the dilution of their shares.

Source: www.sports-city.org

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